This post was written in collaboration with Planet Kambo, who run private and group Kambo healing ceremonies in London.
I love discovering natural medicines, so when I first heard about Kambo I wanted to learn everything about it. Most people haven’t heard of Kambo or the Kambo cleanse, its benefits, or how it works, so I’ve explained it all here. If you’re curious about what Kambo is, what it can do, and what to expect at a ceremony, read on.
What is Kambo?
Kambo is a traditional “frog medicine” from the Amazon, taken from the bright green Phyllomedusa bicolor (giant monkey frog). When stressed, the frog produces a waxy, poisonous secretion that indigenous tribes collect by gently scraping it from the frog’s skin and then releasing the frog back into the forest unharmed.
Once collected, the secretion is dried and can retain potency for up to a year. To use it, the dried Kambo is mixed with water (or saliva) and applied to small, superficial burns made on the skin to expose the dermis.
Amazonian tribes have used Kambo for thousands of years for healing, detoxing, reducing pain, boosting strength and stamina, and clearing negative energy (“panema”). It’s also known as sapo, campu, and vaccino da floresta.
Westerners first recorded Kambo in 1925 when French priest Constantin Tastevin observed a ceremony. Interest grew in the 1980s after journalist Peter Gorman wrote about his experiences and biochemical analysis highlighted Kambo’s medical potential.
What makes Kambo powerful?
Kambo’s effects come from its peptides — short chains of amino acids. Different peptides in Kambo have different actions: some relieve pain, some lower blood pressure, and others have antimicrobial properties that can fight bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses. Early research has even shown some peptides can kill certain cancer cells.
Kambo peptides have been found to be:
– Analgesic (pain-relieving)
– Anti-inflammatory
– Antimicrobial
– Antifungal
– Antiviral
– Antitumor
– Angiostatic (inhibits formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors)
What can Kambo help with?
Traditionally, Kambo has treated fevers, infections, snake bites, malaria, and has been used for detox and stamina. Today, people use it for physical detox, immune support, pain relief, and also for mental and emotional healing.
Because some Kambo peptides affect the brain, many report clearer thinking, better focus, and reduced anxiety. Spiritually, Kambo is said to help release emotional blockages and clear negative energy. Regular users often report fewer infections and an overall boost to their immune system.
Kambo can also help with:
– Chronic pain conditions (back pain, arthritis, IBS, fibromyalgia)
– Menstrual cramps
– Autoimmune and long-term health issues
– Stress, anxiety, and addiction support
– Lowering blood pressure
– Healing injuries
– Supporting some cancer treatments (early research)
Not all benefits are fully proven in humans yet, but animal studies and early research are promising. More studies are ongoing.
Preparing for a Kambo ceremony
If you’re attending a ceremony, plan ahead:
– Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs for 24–48 hours beforehand.
– Fast for at least 8 hours before the session.
– Right before the medicine is applied, you’ll be asked to drink about 1 litre of water so your body can purge more easily.
How Kambo is applied
Kambo is applied to the skin. The practitioner creates small, very superficial burns (often with a smoldering stick) to remove the top layer of skin and expose the dermis. These burns are shallow and usually painless; you won’t bleed. You can choose where the burns are placed — arm, leg, or back.
A tiny amount of the Kambo secretion is then put on each burn point. The medicine moves quickly through the lymphatic system, which is why this method of application is used.
What to expect during and after treatment
Effects vary, but most people experience:
– Nausea as certain peptides contract gut muscles
– Intense nausea leading to purging, often including bile from the liver
– Sweating, shivering, dizziness, tingling or burning sensations, dry mouth, swollen lips, and blurred vision
The initial cleansing is intense but usually short-lived — often under 30 minutes. After purging and when your heart rate normalizes, you may feel tired and want to rest. Ceremonies provide blankets and space to lie down.
Positive after-effects
After the session, many people report a calm, pain-free feeling that can last several hours. There’s often a 24–48 hour “afterglow” with clearer thinking, better focus, reduced anxiety, and improved decision-making under stress. Some people notice increased strength at the gym, higher libido, and better overall energy. Regular users report fewer illnesses and long-term health improvements. While some of these effects are anecdotal, many users find lasting benefits.
Common questions about Kambo
How safe is Kambo?
Kambo can be safe when used correctly by a trained practitioner. Jon from Planet Kambo explains that while Kambo is poisonous if ingested, applied topically over the burns it doesn’t act like a poison. Instead, peptides enter the lymphatic system and communicate with the brain. The strong purging response is driven by the brain, and Kambo can help the body and mind heal. It’s important to be screened for contraindications and to work with an experienced practitioner.
How often should I use Kambo?
A single session can be helpful, but a course of treatments is often recommended. Jon, trained in Mexico, suggests three sessions in one week for a deep detox. For beginners, a common approach is three sessions over 1–2 weeks, followed by two more later. After an initial course, many people repeat treatments every few months or as needed. Planet Kambo offers treatment courses, which can be more effective and reduce the cost per session.
Who should avoid Kambo?
Kambo is not recommended for people with:
– Aneurysms, blood clots, brain hemorrhage, or stroke history
– Serious heart conditions (pacemakers, stents, weakened heart)
– Chronic kidney disease beyond stage 1
– Severe epilepsy or those on anti-epileptic medication
Also avoid Kambo if you are:
– Pregnant or breastfeeding
– On immunosuppressants after organ transplant
– Undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
– Living with serious mental health issues (except some cases of depression, PTSD, anxiety)
– Unable to give informed consent due to cognitive disorders
– Taking medication for low blood pressure
– Living with brain devices (embolism coils, VP shunt)
– Recovering from major surgery
This list isn’t exhaustive — discuss your situation with a qualified practitioner if you’re unsure.
Where to get Kambo in London
If you want a Kambo treatment, attend a ceremony with an experienced practitioner. In London, check www.planetkambo.com for weekly ceremonies run by Jon. He trained in Mexico with Giovanni Lattanzi, a leading Kambo practitioner who pioneered using Kambo on acupuncture meridian points. Jon has been receiving Kambo for about 8 years and has been practicing for 2 years.
Special offer: Planet Kambo are offering £10 off your first treatment. Email info@planetkambo.com, mention the offer, and use code BEHEALTHYNOW10.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21132338
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20526637
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20526637
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18644413
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTtvncRgTI8
https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/amazon-frog-poison-kambo
https://thethirdwave.co/psychedelics/kambo/