KAMBO, “Frog Medicine”, Sapo

Kambo, often referred to as the "frog medicine," is a powerful natural substance derived from the secretions of the Giant Green Monkey Tree Frog (Phyllomedusa Bicolor) native to the Amazon rainforest. In indigenous traditions, Kambo has been used for centuries for its potential healing properties. When applied to small burns on the skin, Kambo contains bioactive peptides that enter the body, leading to various physical, emotional, and spiritual effects.

 

WHAT DISEASE(S) + CONDITIONS* DO PEOPLE WHO HAVE USED KAMBO HAVE?

GENERAL: Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Habit + Ritual Transformation, Insomnia

CHRONIC DIS-EASE: Lyme, Ebstein Barr, Arthritis, Cancer, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chronic Pain, Multiple Sclerosis

VIRUS: Herpes, HIV & AIDS, flu + COVID

GUT: IBS, Candida, Parasites, Giardia, etc.

HORMONE BALANCE: Infertility, Menstrual Cycle Balance, Menopausal Systems, Thyroid, etc.

And many more!!!

**Diagnosis, though significant, can hinder our natural healing process. Our bodies are designed to heal and achieve balance. Embracing wholeness often involves letting go of rigid diagnoses.

What are (some of the)* benefits?

The benefits of Kambo extend across multiple dimensions, making it a holistic remedy valued by many.

  • On a physical level, it purges toxins from the body, enhances the immune system, and is believed to provide relief from various ailments. With about 27 active peptides it stimulates the immune system, enhances detoxification, and can provide relief from chronic pain.

  • Emotionally, Kambo is known to induce a cathartic release, helping individuals process and let go of emotional baggage, leading to a sense of emotional lightness and resilience.

  • Spiritually, it is often used as a tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth, facilitating introspection and fostering a deeper connection with the universe.

Through its unique combination of physical detoxification, emotional cleansing, and spiritual exploration, Kambo offers a transformative experience for those seeking healing, balance, and a renewed sense of purpose in life. Kambo possesses potent anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating various conditions such as infections, depression, and chronic pain, and enhancing blood circulation. Additionally, it strengthens the immune system, acting as a vigorous detoxifying agent that clears the body of energy blockages and negative influences. Short-term benefits reported by participants encompass increased energy, enhanced stress resistance, improved mood, reduced fatigue, decreased appetite, heightened immunity, hormonal balance, and enhanced mental clarity. You can read more in-depth about the medicine here.

For personalized assistance, please reach out to ME with your specific condition or situation, and I can discuss how Kambo might support your journey to well-being. As a Lyme survivor, I work specifically with those with autoimmune but am excited to support all humans to health and wholeness.

**Kambo is a new medicine for the Western communities. We are in a time of experimentation and learning. There are very few studies done on humans. All benefits listed above are real stories and new information in the beginning discoveries of this medicine. Check out Caitlin Thompson of Medicine Frog Kambo for more research and studies.

 

SAFETY

Working with Kambo, the sacred frog medicine, demands careful consideration and expertise for safety. Trained practitioners administer Kambo in ceremonial settings, ensuring proper dosage and application techniques tailored to individual needs. Participants must provide accurate medical information and adhere to pre-ceremony guidelines, such as fasting and abstaining from certain substances. These precautions minimize potential risks. By entrusting the experience to skilled practitioners and following necessary protocols, individuals can safely explore Kambo's healing potential, promoting both physical and emotional well-being.

INTEGRITY + SECreTION

Indigenous communities sustainably harvest the secretion of the Giant Green Monkey Tree Frog, ensuring the frogs are unharmed during the process. Skilled practitioners then collect this secretion, following ancient techniques, with great respect for the frog and its natural habitat. Integrity within the practice emphasizes ethical sourcing and a deep understanding of the cultural and ecological significance of Kambo. Practitioners, committed to preserving the spiritual essence of this sacred medicine, adhere to traditional methods, fostering a sense of harmony between humanity, nature, and the healing wisdom of Kambo. I source my medicine directly from the jungle working with my teachers who are in contact with the Mastes tribe.

 

The Process

A note on timing: Please pick a day for the ceremony when you have a few hours to rest directly after the ceremony. At least 24 hours of nothing to do is suggested 😊!

  • Intake Forms: Once we have set a date and time I will send over all medical forms, intake forms, and contracts. This will allow me to understand your intention and us to collaborate on the number of points and placement of points on your body.

    Nourishment: In the days leading up to your Kambo ceremony, focus on consuming nourishing foods and minimize fried, processed foods, caffeine and alcohol. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and consider adding electrolytes and liquid minerals, especially if you're using reverse osmosis water. Remember not to eat or drink anything for 12 hours before the ceremony, unless otherwise specified.

    On the morning of the ceremony please just have herbal teas and water. Please also bring at least 2 liters of room temperature spring water to drink just before the Kambo administration.

    Medications: It's essential to arrive sober, having refrained from any prescriptions, medications, or marijuana for at least 72 hours, as your participation might be restricted otherwise.

    Intentions: Please take some time to reflect on your intentions for the healing experience. Having a clear intention allows for a more profound healing process and helps you stay focused during the ceremony. The most proven drug is the placebo. Our mind is one of the most powerful tools in the healing process so we may trust our body and this powerful medicine. I ask my clients to share their intentions before taking the medicine so we can invite it into the ceremony.

    Once we agree to work together I will provide you with an in-depth preparation guide.

  • Timing: We will meet in the morning so as not to prolong your fasting experience. The entire process will last between 2-3 hours.
    During: I will open the ceremony with an intention prayer and leave space for you to set your intention for working with the medicine. Once the ceremony is open you will have the option to receive rape and sanagha. After working with these two grounding medicines we will solidify your point placements and burn the points.
    Application: Kambo is applied to superficial burns on the skin. A tashimi vine or incense is made red-hot and just the top layer of the skin is burned. Kambo is then applied onto the burn location and thus absorbed directly into the lymphatic system and bloodstream.
    Water: 1.5 liters of water will be consumed just before the points are placed on your body. Please bring your own filtered water.
    Adminstration: We will place the points on your body. While the points are on I will remind you to breathe, offer song and prayer and music throughout. Once the points have been on for 20-30 minutes I will remove them and give you space to rest. Depending on the purchased session you will receive food and supplements after the ceremony.

  • Nourishment: The best integration is good preparation. I will work with you to ensure you are set up for the next few days with clean, nourishing meals and supportive supplements. Movement, food, water, rest, and meditation are suggested to replenish the body and keep it nourished as you continue to detox, process, and integrate the medicine.

    Guidance: We will have a thirty-minute integration call a few days after your ceremony to check in. This is a good space to share any takeaways, or symptoms you are noticing in the body and ask for support.

    I will also offer an Integration Package to support you with meal ideas, supplements, movement, music, and journaling.

 

Offerings *

Sessions start at $150. Inquire for pricing!

  • This is a non-purgative dose of Kambo. Microdosing is beneficial for those with fragile health conditions, someone already working with an infection, or simply curious about the sensations and benefits. I love working with microdoses for first-time clients to get acquainted with the medicine.

  • This is recommended for current clients and those who have worked with Kambo before.

    • One two-hour session

    • One serving of supplements for integration and detox support

  • This is recommended for new clients and those who have never worked with Kambo.

    • Three two-hour sessions

    • One serving of supplements for integration and detox support

  • This is recommended for new clients and those working with specific health conditions.

    • One 60-minute preparation call

    • One two-hour session

    • Nourishing meal for after the ceremony

    • Three days’ worth of supplements for integration and detox support

    • One 60-minute integration call

    **If needed you can loop me in with your current health care team.

  • This is recommended for those who have chronic health conditions. This is a six-month package that includes:

    • Six one-on-one Wholistic Sessions*

    • Education on how to microdose + implementation support

    • Supplement recommendations + detox support throughout (supplements not included)

    • Communication with your current care team to integrate the medicine with intention based on your health condition(s)

    • Monthly 60 minute Preparation/Integration calls

    **We can spread your sessions and treatments based on your response to each ceremony. There is no rush or time limit.

** 5% of all payments go back to the Mastes tribe in Peru. If pricing listed is ever a barrier to commitment, please let me know and we can work out a price that works with your current financial and life situation.

 

A Note on Cultural Innovation

Cultural innovation and cultural appropriation are two distinct concepts that often intersect in today's globalized world. Cultural innovation refers to the creative and positive evolution of cultural practices within a community, where traditions are adapted and developed organically, fostering progress, understanding, and inclusivity. It embodies respectful engagement with cultural elements, encouraging growth and collaboration while honoring the origins and values of those traditions.

On the other hand, cultural appropriation refers to the inappropriate adoption or imitation of elements from another culture without understanding or respecting its significance. The key difference lies in intent and respect: cultural innovation celebrates diversity and mutual exchange, while cultural appropriation perpetuates harm and exploitation, disregarding the historical and social contexts from which these cultural elements originate.

Respectful cultural exchange fosters understanding, appreciation, and unity, promoting a world where diverse traditions can coexist harmoniously. As a practitioner of this medicine, I am committed to serving my clients to adapt to our community and culture to create safe applications of this medicine in the West. I also hold integrity and respect for the frog and the tribes at the forefront of every ceremony.

 

The Science

Peptides, short chains of amino acids, play a crucial role in various physiological processes within the human body. Among the myriad of peptides found in nature, the unique properties of certain peptides have garnered attention in the realm of Kambo Kambo. There are 27 known peptides from 8 different families. These peptides have been studied for their ability to interact with the immune and endocrine systems, demonstrating potential benefits such as immune modulation, pain relief, and detoxification. This intersection of traditional wisdom and scientific exploration offers a fascinating avenue for understanding the molecular mechanisms behind kambo's purported healing properties, shedding light on the potential integration of ancient remedies into modern therapeutic approaches.

 

FAQs

Questions and answers are inspired by my teacher, Caitlin Thompson of Medicine Frog Kambo.

  • Kambo is a traditional Amazonian medicine derived from the Giant Monkey Frog, scientifically known as Phyllomedusa bicolour. This ancient practice involves collecting the secretion from the frog's hereskin without causing harm and applying it through controlled superficial burns on the skin. You can learn more about kambo in-depth from my teacher Caitlin Thompson here.

  • In the ancient legend surrounding Kambo's origins, a shaman named Kampu faced a dire situation in his ailing village. Despite exhausting all available plant medicines and shamanic practices, he couldn't heal his people. Desperate for a solution, Kampu turned to mother ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogenic plant brew, for guidance.

    During his trance, he received a vision revealing that the cure for his tribe lay within a frog. Upon awakening, Kampu found himself in the heart of the jungle, cradling a Giant Waxy Tree Frog. He had gained profound knowledge on how to harness this frog's essence as medicine. It's said that upon his passing, Kampu's spirit merged with the Phyllomedusa bicolor frogs, transforming him from "Kampu" the shaman to the revered figure known as "Kambo."Also known as "sapo," Kambo has diverse traditional applications across various tribes. One common thread is its believed ability to dispel "bad spirits" or negative energies. Many tribes assert that Kambo clears "panema," akin to a dark cloud of energy or bad luck. Additionally, it is often used medicinally to treat conditions like malaria, snake bites, and infections.

    In some tribal communities like the Matses, Kambo is ritualistically taken before extended hunting expeditions. This practice enhances stamina, reduces the need for food and water, and heightens sensory faculties like visual acuity and scent sensitivity, aiding in animal tracking.

    In indigenous cultures, administering Kambo is not restricted to shamans; anyone can apply it, as it is perceived as medicine rather than solely a shamanic practice. Traditionally, there is no elaborate ceremony associated with Kambo use. However, growing Western interest has led to the development of ceremonial rituals around its application in South America.

    It is noteworthy that in tribal settings, women, children, and even hunting dogs have participated in Kambo treatments. The application follows a traditional pattern where it is placed on the lower ankle for women and the upper arm for men.

  • When administered properly under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, Kambo, despite its intense physical effects, is generally considered a safe procedure. Most negative incidents related to Kambo stem from practitioner negligence or lack of awareness from either the practitioner or client. Honesty and open communication is key for a good experience.

    There are certain individuals who should refrain from Kambo, including those with specific heart conditions, pregnant individuals, individuals with a history of aneurysm or stroke, and those with severe psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, mania, or a history of psychosis.

    People who have recently used Toad medicine or 5-Meo-DMT within the past four weeks should exercise caution when considering Kambo, as severe reactions have been reported in some cases. It's advisable to wait for 4-6 weeks after using Toad or 5-Meo-DMT before undergoing Kambo treatment. It is also strongly discouraged to engage in Kambo immediately after an Ayahuasca session, as this combination can lead to extreme electrolyte imbalances.

    As a practitioner, I also believe less is more in the medicine world and that leaving space between working with each medicine is vital for proper integration.

  • In a Kambo session, various physical sensations may be experienced, but the process is relatively brief, lasting around 20-30 minutes. The session begins with the application of superficial burns on the skin, exposing the lymphatic tissue, followed by the application of rehydrated frog secretion. Soon after, your heart rate increases, creating a rushing sensation. You might feel a niacin flush-like hot flushing and pressure building up in your head.

    Nausea sets in, and purging through vomiting is a crucial aspect, facilitating the removal of physical and energetic toxins. Other normal responses include restroom visits, shaking, sweating, emotional releases, or heavy mucus production. The effects typically last for the mentioned duration, and after the session, you can rest and safely drive home.

    Post-session effects vary based on individual health. If you're generally healthy, you may experience increased energy, improved mood, reduced appetite, decreased pain, enhanced motivation, mental clarity, and an overall sense of peace. However, individuals with chronic conditions or auto immune like Lyme disease, fatigue, gut issues might undergo a significant detox. This detox, known as "die-off" or herxheimer reaction, can cause fatigue, achiness, or irritability and can last 2-8 days. Despite its intensity, it indicates the need for the medicine. Usually, after this phase, individuals feel better than before the Kambo session. Those who do not have chronic conditions may also experience this type of die off. It is normal and a part of the process.

    It's important to note that Kambo is not a hallucinagenic or psychoactive. However, it possesses a strong spiritual aspect. Many participants gain clarity, experience emotional releases, recall old memories, and encounter uncanny synchronicities.

  • The effectiveness of Kambo is often maximized when administered in a series of sessions. For individuals dealing with chronic health issues such as bacteria, inflammation, or detoxification, undergoing multiple treatments in a short span is beneficial. Some opt for a concentrated 3-day cleanse, while others, particularly those with health challenges, might prefer three sessions spread out over a week, allowing adequate time for recovery and thorough detoxification. Maintenance frequency varies; some find a couple of sessions per year sufficient, while others may choose a single experience and never return. Ultimately, the choice lies with the individual.

    For those seeking specific outcomes like relief from depression or the resolution of emotional trauma, committing to a minimum of three sessions is recommended. The initial session serves as an introduction to the frog's spirit, akin to soaking dirty dishes before cleaning. Sometimes, deeply rooted issues require softening before they can be fully addressed. During the second session, many experienced profound catharsis and emotional release. By the third session, individuals often become adept at navigating the experience, surrendering to it with mastery and grace, thus completing their transformative journey.

    While trying Kambo once out of curiosity is acceptable, individuals with specific intentions are encouraged to undergo at least three sessions. This commitment allows for a more comprehensive exploration and understanding of the medicine's potential benefits.

  • The difference between poison and medicine is measure. Techinally anything can become as harmful as a poison. That being said, none of the peptides found in Kambo have been recognized as harmful to mammalian cells. However, they exhibit potent toxicity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, making Kambo an effective broad-spectrum antibiotic. Importantly, there is no documented toxicity to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, or brain.

    m description

  • While Kambo as a holistic remedy has not undergone FDA approval for treating any specific diseases, including Lyme disease, there exists substantial anecdotal evidence suggesting its efficacy in enhancing the well-being of individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease. This anecdotal support stems from the potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Kambo's peptides, coupled with its unique ability to release stored trauma and emotional distress within the body. Consequently, Kambo often leads to significant improvements in symptoms and overall health status.

    Based on my personal experience treating myself for Lyme, I can confidently state that Kambo stands out as one of the most potent interventions available today for those battling the infection. My kambo teacher also has worked with hundreds of people battling lyme who have reported experiencing a notable shift toward better health, a transformative journey that other treatments were unable to offer.

  • Traditionally, in indigenous practices, Kambo is harvested without causing harm to the frogs. The secretion is collected by gently tying the frog's limbs and allowing it to release the substance, after which it is released back into the wild unharmed. Ethical practitioners prioritize the well-being of the frogs and follow these traditional methods, ensuring a sustainable approach to the use of Kambo. However, it's essential to be cautious and choose practitioners who adhere to ethical and humane methods to preserve the well-being of the frogs.

    I personally obtain this medicine from a Matses community located outside Iquitos, Peru, and the acquisition occurs in person. The sourcing process is ethical and respects both the people and the land involved. I have spent significant time with the Matses group, ensuring the frogs are treated with utmost care, and the harvesting is sustainable, avoiding overexploitation.

    When you purchase these sessions, you are directly contributing to the support of the Matses community. This support empowers them to maintain their way of life in the jungle and preserve their cultural heritage. My teacher Caitlin Thompson of Medicine Frog Kambo allocates funds directly to Matses tribal members, aiding in covering medical expenses, providing vitamins for their children, acquiring cooking equipment, and obtaining other essential supplies for their village. I too donate 5% of all session payments back to the Matses community.

 

My Personal Journey

I had just completed my second marathon and gathered the courage to leave my job and start my own business. Fresh out of formal treatment for a 15-year eating disorder, I finally felt my life turning towards the light. Aligned with my purpose and confidence in my body and future, I was ready to embrace a new chapter. But then, everything abruptly changed.

During a trip to Guatemala, I fell ill due to a nasty parasite. I won’t spare you the gory details like shitting myself in my sleep. When I returned home, my frequent trips to the bathroom (10-20 per day) persisted, gradually becoming my new "normal." I found it increasingly difficult to get out of bed, consumed by fear, loneliness, and depression. I grappled with understanding life in ways I never thought possible, feeling as if a looming black cloud had engulfed me. I used to bound out of bed in the morning without needing an alarm; I was the energizer bunny of my friend group. My bestie would often call me a camel. However, at this point, she was now knocking on my door, urging me to step outside and get some sunshine, reminding me that life existed beyond my apartment floor.

In this dark period, someone suggested I try Kambo. Craving any support, I agreed. Desperation had led me to a point where I was willing to try almost anything. I underwent three treatments with a local Chinese medicine practitioner who is experienced in autoimmune and gut diseases. He was compassionate and supportive. After these sessions, my menstrual cycle returned for the first time in over 10 months, and I felt a renewed sense of energy. This improvement lasted about a month until I fell back into the abyss of fatigue, sadness, and now joint pain that was presenting as arthritis. While Kambo created a powerful shift, it wasn't the magic cure I had hoped for.

Western doctors and naturopaths continued to fail to diagnose my condition despite numerous stool tests, colonoscopies, and blood draws. But I refused to give up. I knew something was up. Eventually, I was sent to an Infectious Disease specialist who, through muscle testing, detected Lyme in my system. She was right. I began taking supplements and tried everything from dietary changes to detox and even a five+ day water fast in my quest for healing. It was exhausting and overwhelming, and I felt desperate. "Be patient; it will take time. There is no one cure," they said. I feared this might be my fate forever.

Yoga, prayer, and connecting with a higher power helped me gradually rise from the floor. This higher power urged me to sit up in my pain and stop playing the victim. At that moment, I realized this was an energetic, emotional disease manifesting in my body. I was allowing this to overpower me. And with that realization, I remembered I was still in control of my destiny. I vowed to stop trying to ‘fix’ my body and instead started listening to my body.

I realized the importance of simplifying my approach and trusting my body's signals. Instead of drowning in a sea of supplements, I embraced a less-is-more philosophy. Intentional use of psilocybin opened my mind to the idea that a diagnosis wouldn't define my suffering. The mycelium network and Mother Ayahuasca showed me where my infection was. They offered simple instructions to heal - drink water, rest, and meditate with the energy of the cosmos and the Earth.

Throughout my journey, I agreed to chat with almost anyone with Lyme to hear what worked and supported their healing process. This eventually led me to Bee Venom Therapy. BVT, also known as apitherapy, is a complementary medicine practice that uses bee venom to treat various health conditions. The therapy involves deliberately stinging a person with live bees or using venom extracted from bees for therapeutic purposes. Bee venom contains different compounds, including melittin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. I trusted my intuition and ventured into BVT, stinging my spine under the guidance of Ellie Lobel, the founder of a protocol supporting Lyme and autoimmune disorders. This unconventional method, though daunting, gave me newfound strength and resilience.

Around a month into BVT, a medicine woman suggested microdosing Kambo. I was intrigued. Total doses felt too much for my body, but microdosing could work. I consulted a local practitioner who guided me in the process. I was afraid, but the prospect of continuing to suffer was even scarier. So, I said yes. She remarked that the tribes in Peru would be pleased to know I was using this medicine to grow stronger. Thus began the dance between the bees and the frog. One day, I would sting my spine, and the next, I would burn gates and sit with the frog peptides. And sure enough, the dance between the two was working, and it still is. Exploring gentle doses of these animal medicines has taught me how to endure daily pain with grace and love. Embracing these unconventional treatments, I understand that healing can come from unexpected sources.

I remain a humble human experimenter who has seen the dark and resurfaced, no longer afraid, excited, and ready to serve the world. If you're suffering, understand that I get your struggle. I'm here to support you, having plunged into the depths of pain and emerged more substantial on the other side. I'm here to encourage all of us to embrace nature's unconventional yet potent healing methods, trust our instincts, and find our unique paths to healing.