WHAT IS KAMBO?

The vaccine of the forest.

Kambo is a traditional healing ritual originating from the Amazon rainforest, practiced by various indigenous tribes. It involves the application of the secretions from the skin of the Giant Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor) onto small burns or superficial scratches made on the skin. The secretions contain various bioactive peptides that have been studied and found to have various medicinal benefits.

The Yawanawa people of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest have a traditional story about the discovery of Kambo. According to their tradition, the Yawanawa tribe was facing a severe epidemic that was causing widespread sickness and death among their people. Despite their efforts to find a cure using their traditional medicinal plants, they were unable to stop the spread of the disease.

One day, during a sacred ritual, a Yawanawa shaman/pajè received a vision from the forest spirits. In the vision, the shaman was shown a large frog known as the Giant Monkey Frog, or Phyllomedusa bicolor, secreting a powerful substance from its skin. The spirits instructed the shaman to gather the secretion from the frog and apply it to the sick members of the tribe.
Following the guidance of the vision, the shaman ventured into the forest and found the Giant Monkey Frog. He carefully collected the secretion from the frog's skin and returned to the village. The shaman then administered the substance to the sick individuals, who miraculously began to recover from their illnesses.
From that day forward, the Yawanawa people revered the Giant Monkey Frog and its secretion as a sacred medicine gifted to them by the forest spirits. They incorporated kambo into their healing practices to treat various ailments, purify the body, and promote spiritual growth and well-being.

The Science of Kambo

While Kambo has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest for its healing properties, modern science is beginning to shed light on its potential therapeutic effects.
Kambo secretion contains a complex mixture of bioactive peptides, including phyllomedusin, phyllokinin, and dermorphin. These peptides have been found to interact with various physiological systems in the body, leading to a range of effects.

1. Pain Relief: Some peptides found in Kambo have been shown to have analgesic properties, potentially providing relief from chronic pain conditions.

2. Anti-inflammatory: Research suggests that certain peptides in Kambo have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

3. Antimicrobial: Studies have demonstrated that Kambo secretion exhibits antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacteria and fungi, suggesting potential applications in combating infections.

4. Detoxification: Kambo has been observed to stimulate the body's detoxification processes, including increased sweating and urination, which may help remove toxins from the body.

5. Immune Modulation: Some research indicates that Kambo may modulate the immune system, potentially enhancing immune function and promoting overall health.

While scientific research on Kambo is still in its early stages, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it may offer therapeutic benefits for various health conditions.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A KAMBO SESSION?

During a Kambo session the Kambo secretion is applied onto the client's skin, usually on the upper arm or leg. The secretion is absorbed into the body, often leading to immediate physiological effects such as increased heart rate, sweating, and nausea. These effects are temporary and typically subside within 20-30 minutes. While the experience can be intense and uncomfortable, the effects of Kambo are profound having physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. These may include detoxification, increased energy and vitality, mental clarity, emotional release, help with menstrual cycles and fertility, and a sense of spiritual connection and clarity.

Kambo is for people looking for healing and personal growth. It is commonly used to address various health conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, addiction, depression, anxiety, and fatigue, to name a few.

However, it is essential to have a consultation before undergoing a session, as Kambo may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions or sensitivities.

Kambo is for individuals who are open to exploring alternative healing modalities and are seeking a potent and transformative experience for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is essential to approach Kambo with respect, humility, and a willingness to trust and surrender to the process.


“Panema" is a term used in some indigenous traditions of the Amazon rainforest, particularly by the Katukina and Yawanawa peoples. It refers to a state of spiritual or energetic pollution or imbalance. Panema can result from various factors, such as breaking taboos, disrespecting sacred traditions, or engaging in certain behaviours considered harmful to oneself or the community.

In this context, panema represents a disconnection from the natural order and spiritual harmony, which can manifest as physical, emotional, or psychological distress, as well as laziness and bad luck, depression and to give energy and better luck to be hunters. To address panema, individuals may undergo specific rituals, ceremonies, or practices aimed at purification, healing, and restoring balance to the individual and the community. Such as Kambo or Ayahuasca or a strong process with Rapèh.

The term panema is a concept within indigenous Amazonian cultures to understand and address the consequences of actions that disrupt spiritual harmony and interconnectedness with nature. It can be transferred over to our culture too, and the use of these traditions to cleanse and restore inner balance and harmony in us can be hugely beneficial to our welfare and health.