What is Kambo?
You may have heard someone talk about their Kambo experience and thought:
“Okay…but what exactly IS Kambo?”
That’s usually where the conversation starts.
Kambo is the name commonly used for the secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor, sometimes called the giant monkey frog, a tree frog native to the Amazon basin.
The secretion has been used traditionally by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon for purposes that have included hunting preparation, strength, clearing what is sometimes described as panema—a state associated with heaviness or bad luck—and other traditional practices.
Today, Kambo is also practiced outside the Amazon, where people seek it for many different personal reasons.
Kambo Is Not a Psychedelic
This is one of the questions we hear most often.
No, Kambo is not psychedelic.
It doesn’t produce the altered visual or visionary experience associated with psychedelic substances.
Instead, Kambo creates a strong physiological response in the body. The experience can be intense and may include sensations such as heat, flushing, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, swelling, sweating, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, or the need to use the bathroom.
The most intense portion is generally relatively short, although every person’s experience is different.
So…What Is Actually In Kambo?
Kambo secretion contains a number of naturally occurring bioactive peptides.
Scientists have studied several of these compounds and how they interact with receptors and systems within the body.
That research is fascinating—and it’s one of the things that first made many of us curious about Kambo.
But there is an important distinction:
Researching individual compounds found in Kambo is not the same thing as proving that a Kambo session treats or cures a particular health condition.
We believe you deserve that distinction instead of exaggerated promises.
Why People choose Kambo
People come to Kambo for many different reasons.
Some describe seeking a sense of clearing or reset. Others are drawn to the traditional practice, personal reflection, spiritual exploration, or simply curiosity after hearing someone else’s experience.
We don’t promise what Kambo will do for you.
Your body, your circumstances and your experience are uniquely yours.
Our job is to help you understand what you’re choosing and provide a prepared, supportive environment if you decide Kambo is right for you.
What happens in a session
Kambo is traditionally applied through small superficial points made on the skin.
Once the top layer of skin is opened at these points, a small amount of prepared Kambo secretion is applied.
The response usually begins quickly.
Because Kambo can cause significant changes in the body during that period, screening, preparation, hydration guidance, dosing considerations and practitioner training matter.
This isn’t something we believe should be approached casually.
Before sitting with us, you’ll complete health screening and we’ll talk through medications, health history, preparation, what to expect and any questions or concerns you have.
And yes—you can change your mind.
Consent doesn’t disappear just because you arrived for a session.
Is Kambo Safe?
Kambo is powerful, and it is not risk-free or appropriate for everyone.
Serious adverse events have been reported, particularly when Kambo is used inappropriately, when important health conditions are overlooked, or when unsafe practices surrounding water intake or other aspects of a session occur.
That is why we take screening and preparation seriously.
There are health conditions, medications and circumstances that may mean we will not serve Kambo—or that we will ask you to speak with an appropriate healthcare professional before moving forward.
We would rather tell someone “Kambo isn’t the right choice for you right now” than take an unnecessary risk.
Your safety matters more than booking a session.