Is Kambo Safe?

Kambo is generally safe. Kambo is not venom, nor is it a poison.

Kambo is a natural cocktail of bioactive peptides. Period

There are a few things that will disqualify an individual from participating in a Kambo session:

Pre-Ayahuasca diet

Active addiction

Currently on chemotherapy 

On immunosuppressant medication

…to name a few. Our waiver has a full list of contraindications.

How do I Prepare for a Kambo Session?

The day before, your diet should include things like oatmeal, pasta, sourdough, etc… (It doesn’t matter if the ingredients are, for example, chickpea flour, almond flour, etc., as long as you’re eating some starchy / carby foods.)

Try to avoid high-fat foods, such as, avocados, olive oil, full fat yogurt, and so on. If you must eat these things, couple them with the listed things that are ok to eat (oatmeal, sourdough, etc.). 

You will need to fast (eat nothing) for a minimum of 7 hours, but no more than 18 hours, before your scheduled Kambo session. 

If you are on a no / very low sodium diet, you will need to consume an electrolyte drink, such as liquid IV, through the day leading up to your session.

2 hours before your Kambo session, you will need to refrain from drinking anything.

Lastly, spend the morning, before you arrive to your Kambo session, setting intentions, meditating, exercising, or whatever it is you enjoy doing, as long as you’re not scrolling on your phone, or engaging in lower vibrational activities. 

What Should I Expect from My Kambo Session?

It is very important that you arrive on time, or 5 minutes early, to your Kambo session. 

Plan to be at your Kambo session for approximately a hour. If you have a medical condition, it could take a little longer, like 2 hours.

When you arrive, we will open the space, go over some questions, and state your intentions (verbally, or to yourself). 

I will open the gate(s) that the Kambo is applied to. This is done by creating a superficial burn, the diameter of an incense stick (very small), removing the first 2 layers of your skin. This opens it up for the peptides to enter your bloodstream. This is the most effective method of receiving peptides.

When applying the Kambo, a very small dot will be placed upon your gate(s) for 20 minutes (unless you decide you’d like to remove some or all of them earlier).

Symptoms will be as follows: 30 seconds to 1 minute, you will begin to feel a warm, flushing sensation in your body, especially in your head. 

Your heartbeat will begin to quicken from a resting heart rate, to 95-130 beats per minute, which can feel alarming, but it’s the equivalent of light/moderate exercise. It only feels weird because you’re sitting.

You may experience tingling in your lips, ear, and hands… perhaps a slight numbness in your tongue.

These symptoms will last between 5-7 minutes.

The second half, symptoms will change a bit. Your heart rate will lower, to just below baseline, and you may experience mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. For example, you may experience chills, cold sweats, and nausea. At this point, some people purge (vomit, and/or, in some cases, you may need to use the bathroom), which is completely normal. Many experienced individuals look forward to purging. There are spiritual aspects associated with a Kambo purge. It can be a really great feeling, and an amazing release during a session. 

A purge is NOT necessary, and it is ok if you do not. Kambo is going to gift you its benefits, regardless.

When the Kambo comes off, any symptoms will begin to dissipate, and you will typically be back to normal, within 10-30 minutes.

Long term (the following day, to weeks+) benefits will vary, and be subjective.

How Should I Prepare for My Kambo Session?

The day before, your diet should include things like oatmeal, pasta, sourdough, etc… (It doesn’t matter if the ingredients are, for example, chickpea flour, almond flour, etc., as long as you’re eating some starchy / carby foods.)

Try to avoid high-fat foods, such as, avocados, olive oil, full fat yogurt, and so on. If you must eat these things, couple them with the listed things that are ok to eat (oatmeal, sourdough, etc.). 

You will need to fast (eat nothing) for a minimum of 7 hours, but no more than 18 hours, before your scheduled Kambo session. 

If you are on a no / very low sodium diet, you will need to consume an electrolyte drink, such as liquid IV, through the day leading up to your session.

2 hours before your Kambo session, you will need to refrain from drinking anything.

Lastly, spend the morning, before you arrive to your Kambo session, setting intentions, meditating, exercising, or whatever it is you enjoy doing, as long as you’re not scrolling on your phone, or engaging in lower vibrational activities. 

Why Do Some People Purge, While Others Do Not?

When Kambo is introduced into the body, it triggers a series of physiological reactions, including smooth muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal system and stimulation of various organs that help maintain homeostasis. Within the 20-minute duration of a session, some people experience nausea and a purge, while others may not. A purge is not essential to receive the physical benefits of Kambo, but many report significant psychological or spiritual releases during the process.

How Many Times do I Need to do Kambo, and for How Long?

This is subjective - it depends on what your goals and purposes are. If you have a bit of annoying back pain, 1-2 sessions may be all you need. Maybe you’ll need to come back once per month, for maintenance.

There is no single answer. 

This is something that we will discuss and figure out, based on your needs.

Can I Bring Someone to My Kambo Session?

Yes. You may. If you choose to bring someone, be sure they’re supportive, and close to you. Someone that you trust, and makes you feel safe…

What Are the Negative Side Effects of Kambo, If Any?

The most common concern about Kambo is the fear of losing control or soiling oneself during a session. While you may feel the urge to use the bathroom, it is typically manageable and not an emergency. With easy access to private restroom facilities, your experience here will very comfortable.

Is Kambo Legal?

Yes, Kambo is legal in the United States and most other countries. Its legality hinges on the responsible practice of Kambo facilitation, which ensures that safety and ethical standards are upheld.

Are there Conservation Concerns Involving the Phyllomedusa Bicolor?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) endangered species database lists them in the “Lease Concern” category, in view of their current wide distribution and large population.

Is the Frog Harmed During Harvesting?

No, the giant monkey frog is not harmed during the harvesting of Kambo. In fact, it is considered bad luck to harm the frog. Harvesting typically involves gently collecting the frogs early in the morning, often after a rainstorm. Once collected, the frogs are brought to the village, where they are carefully handled to obtain their secretion.

One method involves gently stretching the frog by its limbs while gently rubbing its noes, prompting it to release its secretion. The substance is then collected onto a stick, where it is dried and stored for later use. Afterward, the frog is released unharmed.

In fact, oftentimes, the frog feels so unthreatened, they will stick around for a while after the harvesting, and sit on your shoulder or head.

For your safety, always ensure your practitioner sources Kambo ethically and sustainably.

Who Should Avoid Kambo?

The following contraindications indicate individuals who should not take Kambo:

• Serious heart problems (e.g., recent heart surgery or coronary stents)

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

• Low blood pressure treated with medication

• History of stroke or brain hemorrhage

• Aneurysm or blood clots

• Severe mental health conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder)

• Chemotherapy within the last six weeks

• Use of immunosuppressants following organ transplant

• Addison’s Disease

• Epilepsy

• Recent major surgery (must wait at least six months)

• Use of Bufo or 5-MeO-DMT within the last six weeks

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Does Kambo Work?

Many people report positive effects after a Kambo session, including increased energy, improved mood, mental clarity, and a heightened sense of awareness. Physically, some individuals experience relief from chronic pain, inflammation, and digestive issues.

Kambo is thought to work by stimulating the immune system, activating natural detoxification processes, and releasing endorphins and other bioactive compounds. While experiences vary and scientific research on Kambo remains limited, many find value in incorporating it into their wellness routines. As always, work with a trained practitioner to ensure safe and effective use.

Does Kambo Hurt?

The process of applying Kambo may involve some minor discomfort. Creating the Kambo dots typically produces a brief sensation of heat or stinging, but this subsides quickly. When the secretion is applied, some individuals report mild tingling or a burning sensation at the application site, though this is generally very mild and short-lived.

Overall, any discomfort is brief and outweighed by the potential benefits. Partnering with an experienced Kambo practitioner can help ensure a safe, comfortable, and supportive experience.

Why Choose Kambo-Ink for Your Kambo Journey?

At Kambo-Ink, we prioritize your well-being through safe and immersive Kambo experiences. We adhere to rigorous safety protocols and provide personalized support, from pre-ceremony preparation to post-ceremony integration. With us, you’ll receive a compassionate, ethical, and transformative experience. Plus, you will have the option to have your Kambo dots tattooed at a later date, if you wish!