So… I Tried Kambo

Before arriving in Salvador, Bahia, in January, my friend Prandhara Prem messaged me and asked if I would be interested in joining her for a Kambo ceremony.

Usually, if she’s doing it, I’m interested and curious. She is the one friend who is extremely adventurous when it comes to discovering all sorts of healing and spiritual cleansing. I had heard of Kambo, but just on the surface. I asked her to give me the good, bad, and ugly. The ugly made me pause my interest…

Facial swelling? No thanks!
Burns on my body? No thanks!

I’m always up for an adventure, but this seemed a little out of my comfort zone. Still, I told her I would think about it. I thought about it. I read about it. I watched videos on it. I thought I did my research.

Weeks later, we were in Brazil together, and I said, Yes! Let’s do it! And we did. She organized for us to meet a man named Marcelo, who was offering Kambo ceremonies.

I went! I had a wild experience. And when I say wild, I mean in all the good ways! I got my burns, called gates. Marcelo instructed that two gates would be fine for my first experience. I listened—and he was right! I left his space in awe of what happened in my body. In my spirit. This made me even more curious!

Days later was my Ayahuasca circle. The Kambo was still present within me. It manifested during my Ayahuasca journey. Again… I was in awe.

Several days after the Ayahuasca circle, my shaman, Bari Mika Yuxibu of the Amazonian Huni Kuin tribe and I were chatting, and I asked if he would perform a Kambo ceremony for me privately. I wanted to go deeper! He was available, and we set a date.

Actually, he came to stay with me along with his brother, Mana. It was an awesome experience sharing space and talking with them—learning more about their lives and personal journeys.

Chatting with a shaman for hours about indigenous healing was not on my bingo card, but here we are! I was so thankful!

On the morning of my ceremony, we walked to Praia do Buracão and set up a healing space for this journey.

My indigo blanket from Burkina Faso was laid down. I set my intentions, and Bari began his work. While he worked and I journeyed, he and his brother, Mana, created a healing soundtrack to move me through the experience!

This time around with Kambo, it was much deeper than with Marcelo. I felt more of a connection with the medicine. I purged! And I feel like I went more into my heart space during the experience.

Below is a video of me moving through the process.

Are you curious about Kambo? Let me dig deeper!

Kambo is a powerful traditional Amazonian medicine used primarily for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. It is deeply rooted in indigenous Amazonian cultures. While its use has expanded globally, it remains a sacred and potent practice requiring respect and caution due to its intense physiological effects.

From my video, you can see some of the physical effects but many are internal. These effects are typical but will vary person to person.

Kambo induces a strong physiological response almost immediately after application, as its bioactive peptides enter the bloodstream. One of the first effects is a rapid increase in heart rate, accompanied by a sensation of heat and flushing of the skin. Many experience nausea and vomiting considered a purge as the body begins a detoxification process, expelling toxins from the liver and digestive system. Sweating, dizziness, and a temporary drop in blood pressure are also common, sometimes leading to faintness or lightheadedness, which is why you can see that I laid down during the experience. Additionally, some people may develop facial swelling and facial pulsating.  I felt like I became the frog because of the feelings in my face along my jaw line.

As the purge continues, muscle contractions or spasms may occur. These reactions typically last between 20 to 40 minutes before subsiding, after which some feel exhausted yet relieved. Once the immediate effects wear off, you may have a sense of physical renewal, increased energy, and enhanced immune function. While these responses can be intense, they are considered part of the cleansing process, helping to reset the body’s systems.

Origins of Kambo – Kambo is a traditional medicine derived from the secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor, also known as the giant monkey frog, native to the Amazon rainforest. The practice originates from indigenous tribes of the Amazon Basin, particularly in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. The use of Kambo has been passed down through generations as a form of healing, spiritual cleansing, and preparation for hunting.

How is Kambo Administered? Before application, the shaman prepares the Kambo secretion by rehydrating the dried resin with a few drops of water or saliva, creating a paste-like substance. They then use a small, glowing ember or vine to make superficial burns, known as “gates,” on the participant’s skin, carefully removing the top layer to expose the fresh tissue. Once the gates are ready, the Kambo is applied in small dots. Afterward, the shaman closely monitors the participant’s reactions, ensuring they are safe and supported throughout the intense physical and emotional experience. Proper preparation also includes instructing participants on pre-ceremony dietary restrictions, such as rapid hydration, fasting and avoiding alcohol, marijuana, and sex to optimize the medicine’s effects.

Who Uses Kambo? Kambo is primarily used by indigenous tribes of the Amazon, such as the Huni Kuin (Integrate Kambo into their shamanic healing practices), Matsés (Known for their use of Kambo in hunting and medicinal ceremonies), Katukinan (One of the primary tribes that preserved and popularized Kambo’s use), and Yawanawá (Use Kambo for physical and spiritual purification), who have traditionally applied it for hunting endurance, physical strength, and spiritual cleansing. In recent years, its use has expanded globally, attracting individuals seeking alternative healing for physical ailments, emotional trauma, and spiritual growth. People struggling with chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety, and addiction often turn to Kambo for its purported detoxifying and immune-boosting properties. Additionally, those on a path of self-discovery, personal transformation, or shamanic practices may incorporate Kambo into their rituals to gain mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a deeper connection to themselves and nature.

Benefits of Kambo – Although scientific research is limited, Kambo is believed to offer numerous physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits, including:

Physical:

• Detoxification – The purging process eliminates toxins from the body
• Boosted Immune System – The secretion contains peptides with antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties
• Pain Relief – Certain peptides in Kambo have powerful pain-relieving effects, similar to opioids but without addiction potentia.
• Increased Energy and Stamina – Many users report a boost in vitality and endurance
• Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects – Some peptides in Kambo exhibit antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties

Psychological & Spiritual:

• Emotional Cleansing – Kambo is used for releasing stored trauma and emotional blockages
• Mental Clarity – Users report improved concentration, focus, and cognitive function
• Depression and Anxiety Relief – Some believe Kambo helps alleviate depression and anxiety by balancing neurotransmitters
• Energetic Reset – Practitioners describe feeling “reset” after a session, with renewed motivation and purpose

Still Photo & B-Roll Video Credit: Prandhara Prem