Ashley Marie Leonard
Kambo secretions after reconstituted with distilled water.
What is Kambo?
“If you understand peptides, you understand Kambo.” -Jason Fellows Tribal Detox Founder
The benefits of Kambo stem from the bioactive peptides and neuropeptides found in the Kambo secretion. (Amazonian giant waxy tree frog, Phyllomedusa Bicolor.) The bioactive peptides found in Kambo exert a positive effect in humans due to their health-promoting properties. They can exert several beneficial effects like preventing diseases or modulating the physiological systems once they are absorbed in the human body. These peptides perform a broad range of functions that can be involved in the gastrointestinal system such as the anti-obesity and satiety peptides, the cardiovascular system such as antihypertensive, antithrombotic, and hypocholesterolemic peptides, the immune system such as antimicrobial, and immune-modulatory peptides, and the nervous system such as opioid peptides.
All over the internet, podcasts, and sometimes word of mouth, Kambo is referred to as frog poison. This is not at all the case. In fact, while the secretions do have toxic effects for any would-be natural predator of the frog in the Amazon, the amazing cocktail of bioactive peptides contained in the sticky substance each play integral roles in the health and wellbeing of human biology AND are endogenous to the human body! Below lists some of the bioactive peptides present in Kambo which have been identified through scientific research:
Phyllomedusin
Produces smooth muscle contractions and increases secretions of the gastrointestinal tract. This contributes to the deep purge.
Phyllokinin
Potent vasodilators also increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier.
Caeruleins/Sauvagines
Produces smooth muscle contractions as well as a drop in blood pressure and tachycardia. These peptides stimulate the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland and also possess analgesic properties.
Dermorphin/Deltorphin
Agonists of the opioid receptors, these peptides are 4000 times more potent than morphine and 40 times more potent than the endogenous endorphins.
Adenoregulins
Works on the human body through the adenosine receptors which are a fundamental component throughout all human cellular fuel.
Dermaseptins
Antimicrobial peptides are the frog’s first line of defense for the frog’s bare skin against microbial invasion. Separate research carried out at the University of Paris and Queens University in Belfast have shown that dermaseptins may have applications in treating certain types of cancer cells.
Bombesins
Stimulate pancreatic secretions and also stimulate the secretion of hydrochloric acid by acting on the G cells of the stomach.
Tryptophilins
Opening new perspectives on the human brain works.
The Kambo Session
Preparing for your session:
A few days leading up to your session be mindful of your diet, intake, and excessive exercise. Click here to see the contraindication list and fill out the waiver. An intention, for what you would like to get out of the session is also a great idea. Try to fast 7 hours leading up to your session. Do not consume more than 8 oz of fluids per hour leading up to your session.
During your Kambo session:
Kambo is often called an “Ordeal Medicine” while technically Kambo is not a medicine, many people use it therapeutically. The session can be organized ritualistically or clinically, and no matter the setting Kambo will facilitate an experience of exactly what you need. The Kambo is applied via “gates” which are created by making small burn points on the skin (usually near the heart on the upper arm), the Kambo is applied to these points and a timer is set for 20 minutes. During these 20 minutes, your body will undergo a flu-like response. Soft tissues in the body will begin to slightly contract and your various sections of the digestive system will begin to secrete your digestive fluids. Sometimes this experience is meditative, and sometimes it is a profound ordeal. Keep in mind too some people do not purge in their session, this is completely normal! Either way, the Kambo peptides are in your system and are facilitating a cleansing experience.
After your Kambo session:
Many people have reported incredible life-altering changes after their Kambo session. Some of the changes I personally have experienced are:
Elimination of alcohol and Adderall cravings.
Heightened awareness of consumption.
Regulated and less painful menstrual cycles.
Healthy skin and noticeably less hormonal acne.
Mental clarity in regards to personal goals and direction.
Increased stamina and I get more out of my exercise routines.
Heart-centered mindful coherence.
Everyone comes to Kambo for a myriad of reasons, and often Kambo is saught out after various other methods of healing have been exhausted. For this reason, I hold Kambo close to my heart, I protect it and administer it safely. Many people are desperate to get their lives back and Kambo can help facilitate this.