Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kambo?
Kambo is a traditional ritual that involves applying secretions from the Phyllomedusa bicolor (giant monkey frog) to the skin. It has been used by indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest for its potential therapeutic benefits, including physical healing, emotional cleansing, detoxification, and spiritual insights.
How is Kambo applied?
Kambo is traditionally applied through small burns on the skin.
Placement can vary, depending on intentions and preferences by the client.
Will I Be Purging?
There are many forms of purging: Laughing, crying, shaking, sweating, deep breathing, purging, and using the restroom. All the healing benefits from Kambo come from the bioactive peptides found in the Kambo.
Each session might look differently in how you expel the energy.
Why Do Some People Purge & Others Don’t?
When Kambo enters the body, it sets off a chain of pharmacological reactions of smooth muscle contraction of the gastrointestinal system to stimulating organs to release their components that keep the body in homeostasis. In these 20 minutes, you may experience nausea and some will experience a purge. Although the purge isn't required to attain the physical benefits of Kambo, many have claimed to have had an enormous spiritual or psychological release during a Kambo purge.
What Are the Negative Side-effects, If Any?
Everyone's worst fear from a Kambo session is soiling your pants! Although you may feel the need to go, it won't be an emergency.
We see that all your needs are met, including bathroom availability. It won't be an issue.
Is Kambo Legal?
Yes, it is legal in the U.S. and most other countries.
As long as we continue to practice responsible facilitation of Kambo, it will remain legal.
Is the Frog Harmed?
The frog is not harmed during the harvesting of Kambo.
In accordance with the sacred reciprocity of nature, the frog provides medicine and the tribes provide protection of their jungle home.
In order to harvest the poison from the frog, they must be collected very early in the morning often after a good rain. The frog is gently collected and brought back to the village where the secretion is harvested. The Yawanawa tribe collects the frog venom by simply collecting the frog which naturally secretes its sweat. The frog's big toe can also be massaged and then they secrete the Kambo.
The secretion is collected and put onto a stick. The secretion dries on the stick and then it can be saved for later use.
The frog is released unharmed.
It is important that the Kambo sticks come from reputable sources and are in good condition.
Ask your practitioner if the Kambo is ethically sourced.
Who should NOT take Kambo?
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Serious heart problems (i.e. major heart surgery, coronary stent)
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Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
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Currently taking medication for low blood pressure
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History of stroke
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History of brain hemorrhage
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Aneurysm or blood clots
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Serious mental health problems such as bipolar, BPD, schizophrenia.
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Within 6 weeks of chemotherapy
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Currently taking immunosuppressants for organ transplant
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Addison’s Disease
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Epilepsy
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Recovering from a major surgical procedure (must wait a minimum of 6 months before receiving Kambo)
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Recently taken Bufo of 5-MeO-DMT (must wait a minimum of 6 weeks before receiving Kambo)
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Pregnant or breastfeeding
Have other questions?
Please email us at greatlakeskambo@gmail.com or reach out here