Kambo: Frequently Asked Questions
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Once you've had your discovery call, completed the waiver, and scheduled the ceremony, the day arrives. You’ll come fasting for at least seven hours, dressed in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. After you settle in, we’ll take time to review the origins of Kambo, discuss your intentions for the session, and determine the number of “gates” (small openings in the skin) to apply.
As the medicine is prepared, you'll drink ¾ of a liter of water to support the process. We'll begin with a test point to gently introduce the medicine and assess how your body responds. After five-minutes, we’ll evaluate and proceed with the remaining points.
You may begin to experience what is commonly referred to as the "Kambo flu." A warm sensation will move through your body as the medicine begins to scan, creating a pleasant internal heat. You might notice your face flushing, a pulsating in your head, increased heart rate, or sensations of hot or cold. Tingling in your hands or feet and sweating are also common. As the medicine cleanses, you may feel the need to "get well" by purging or using the restroom.
The purging process is natural, and the water helps ease any discomfort. Kambo remains on the skin for just 20 minutes, allowing your body time to absorb its peptides. Once the medicine is removed, any physical symptoms quickly fade, leaving you with a profound sense of cleansing and a deep reset. Afterward, you'll rest for at least 30 minutes, and I will be by your side throughout your process. In total, the ceremony will last between 90 minutes and two hours.
Once you’ve rested, you’ll feel ready to continue your day, though setting aside time for self-care is highly recommended. You may feel more sensitive and tender, so nurturing yourself is important. Many people report feeling uplifted, clear, energized, and deeply connected to themselves for days, sometimes weeks, after their session.
To complete the ceremony, you'll have the option to receive Hapè, a medicinal plant medicine, helping you to ground and bring a close to your Kambo experience.
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Kambo is applied subdermally, directly into the lymphatic system. This is done by creating small, superficial burns known as “gates” on the skin, through which the Kambo secretion is placed. For first-time sitters, 2-5 gates are typically opened, usually on the left arm or right ankle. However, Kambo can also be applied to other areas of the body, such as the spine, depending on the individual’s intention and previous experience with the medicine.
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Kambo is powerful and should not be used in certain circumstances. It is not recommended if you:
Have serious heart problems
Are taking medication for low blood pressure
Are currently taking 4 or more pharmaceuticals
Have had a stroke or brain hemorrhage
Have an aneurysm or blood clots
Have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Have Addison’s disease
Have epilepsy
Have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
Are taking immunosuppressants due to an organ transplant
Are recovering from a major surgical procedure
Have taken Bufo or 5-MeO-DMT within the last 6 weeks
Are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding
If any of these conditions apply to you, it's important to avoid Kambo and consult with a healthcare provider before considering its use.
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The short answer, most likely, although it varies. Different skin tones show Kambo marks differently, but the small gates typically heal quickly and fade over time. After the Kambo is removed, we apply Dragon’s Blood, a resin from the Sangre de Drago tree known for its powerful healing properties. It acts as a natural antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, essentially serving as a liquid bandage while your skin heals.
If you're concerned about the marks, treatments like red light therapy, vitamin E, and emu oil will help. Kambo is considered a warrior medicine, and most embrace their marks as symbols of strength on their journey.
Kambo is powerful and should not be used in certain circumstances. It is not recommended if you:
Have serious heart problems
Are taking medication for low blood pressure
Have had a stroke or brain hemorrhage
Have an aneurysm or blood clots
Have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Have Addison’s disease
Have epilepsy
Have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
Are taking immunosuppressants due to an organ transplant
Are recovering from a major surgical procedure
Have taken Bufo or 5-MeO-DMT within the last 6 weeks
Are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding
If any of these conditions apply to you, it's important to avoid Kambo and consult with a healthcare provider before considering its use.
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No, frogs are not harmed during the ethical harvesting of Kambo. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species in the "Least Concern" category due to their wide distribution and healthy population.
The harvesting process is conducted with care and respect for both the frogs and their natural environment. The organization we work with, Tribal Detox, collaborates with the Cocama tribe in Peru, who follow traditional methods that honor the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Frogs are carefully captured during the rainy season, when they are most active. In collaboration with the Cocama, we have access to over 100,000 frogs across 80 miles of Amazonian jungle.
Once a frog is gently brought to the village, the Kambo secretion is collected in a quick, two-minute process. The frog’s legs are spread apart, and the secretion is carefully scraped from its back and dried on a stick for future use. After this, the frog is safely released back into its habitat, unharmed. To ensure sustainability, we never revisit the same area more than once every three months, and enough secretion is always left on the frog to maintain its natural defenses.
We are deeply committed to respecting both the Cocama tribe and the ecosystem of the Amazon. Our practices reflect a profound reverence for ecological balance, and we actively support the Cocama through donations and annual visits, strengthening our relationship with them and the frogs. Transparency in sourcing is crucial. Always ask your practitioner if they know where their Kambo comes from and if it has been sourced ethically.
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Sananga is a traditional Amazonian medicine made from the roots and bark of the Tabernaemontana undulate tree. This plant is prepared by scraping the bark or roots and soaking them in water to create a potent liquid extract.
Applied as eye drops, Sananga induces an intense but brief burning sensation, often followed by a sense of clarity, heightened perception, and the decalcification of the pineal gland. Many people report sharper vision and enhanced color perception immediately after its application. In addition to its spiritual benefits, Sananga is also known to support eye health, with potential benefits for conditions such as astigmatism, cataracts, glaucoma, and styes.
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Hapé (pronounced "hah-pay") is a shamanic snuff deeply rooted in the traditions of indigenous tribes in the Amazon, particularly in Brazil and Peru. Tribes such as the Huni Kuin, Nu-nu, Yawanawá, and Katukina have incorporated hapé into their cultural practices since the time of the Mayan civilization, using it for ritualistic, medicinal, and recreational purposes. This medicine is made from a blend of finely powdered tobacco leaves and medicinal tree ashes, with specific ingredients varying by tribe and their unique blends.
Hapé is rich in beta-carbolines, compounds that interact with the brain’s serotonin and dopamine systems, offering potential relief from depression and anxiety. Traditionally administered through a small blowpipe known as a "Tepi," the powdered mixture is blown into the nostrils, creating an intense experience that aids in cleansing, grounding, and spiritual healing. Hapé is often used in healing ceremonies and rituals for its therapeutic benefits. After a Kambo session, you will be offered hapé to help ground and close the ceremony.