FAQs
We’ve got answers to the most common Kambo questions here. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you!
Before Kambo
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Please see the Benefits & Risks page for a full list of health conditions that may disqualify you from receiving Kambo. If you have specific questions, please reach out to me to discuss.
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Kambo is a chemical substance, therefore it can have an undesired effect with certain medications, so it's important to approach it with caution if you are taking any.
Specifically, Kambo can be unsafe if you're on:
Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs): There is a risk of “serotonin syndrome” when Kambo is combined with medications that increase serotonin levels.
Blood pressure medications: Kambo can lower blood pressure, so combining it with blood pressure-lowering drugs may cause low levels.
Diuretics: Kambo naturally causes a lot of fluid loss, so if you're taking diuretics, it can increase the risk of dehydration.
Immunosuppressants: Since Kambo boosts the immune system, it can interfere with medications meant to suppress immune function.
Heart medications: Kambo can put stress on the heart, so it's not recommended if you have heart conditions or take heart medications.
If pausing medication use before a kambo session, you should consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional.
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Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. It is suggested that you bring an extra pair of clothing for your session.
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Kambo placement varies based on individual needs and energetic intentions, though it doesn't affect the physical benefits.
Upper Arm: Common for effective absorption near the heart and lymphatic system.
Spine/Lower Back: Chosen for deeper emotional or energetic work.
Chest: Used for heart-centered and emotional healing.
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Kambo sessions are customized to meet your physical, emotional, and energetic needs. Before we begin, I’ll conduct a detailed consultation to understand your health history, current conditions, and healing intentions.
Kambo placement: Application sites are chosen based on your goals, such as emotional release or addressing a specific physical area.
Number of dots: The amount of Kambo is adjusted according to your experience level and how your body responds initially to the medicine.
Session support: I ensure your safety and support throughout the session, and provide post-session integration to help you process and enhance the healing benefits.
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Yes. Kambo is safe to receive during menstruation, but it’s best to avoid the first day of your cycle, times of heavy flow, or when experiencing strong cramps. Kambo can increase menstrual flow due to its effects on circulation and vasodilation.
Some women find that Kambo helps alleviate menstrual symptoms, while others feel the experience is more intense during this time. If you're unsure, consider waiting until after your cycle to avoid amplifying symptoms. Kambo can also be a deeply healing experience for the womb and any stored trauma.
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Studies show that individuals gain the most benefits from 2-3 Kambo sessions within a 30-day period. Each session builds on the last, allowing the peptides to work more effectively with your body. As more toxins are released, your body can experience a deeper detox throughout the process.
*While some benefits are immediate, others may take a few weeks to fully unfold, depending on your individual case.
Understanding Kambo
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Yes. While it is not FDA approved, Kambo is legal in the U.S. and other countries except for Australia and Brazil. We’d love for it to remain that way through ethical kambo sourcing and the proper integrity of practitioners.
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Frogs are taken from the jungle canopy, held in the palm of one’s hand, and their backs are gently scraped with the medicine collected and dried on bamboo sticks. Another common technique involves briefly restraining the frog by its legs. These methods vary across indigenous traditions.
With the expectation that those harvesting the medicine act with integrity, the frogs are safely released back into their habitat. Ethical sourcing respects both the frogs and the indigenous practices behind this work. My Kambo is sourced directly from the Matsés tribe in Iquitos, Peru, where I trained.
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No. Kambo is not a psychedelic substance. Kambo is a somatic experience, with participants being present in their physical bodies.
Kambo isn’t toxic to the human body. It’s often mistaken as a poison due to its purging effects, but it contains bioactive peptides that trigger a natural detox response. The reaction is like an allergic response, helping the body detox, not a harmful or poisonous effect.
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Yes. However, Kambo is safe as long as you are honest about your existing mental and physical health. It is a strong medicine, which needs to be treated with respect based on tradition and experience.
Sitting with Kambo can be extremely uncomfortable, with the possibility of suppressed emotions and traumas arising during a session. You will be supported through any feelings that need to arise as the medicine works to clear the body of stored toxins and emotions.
For more information on risks, please explore the Benefits & Risks page.
What to Expect
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A session can last up to 2 hours, allowing some time before and after application for rest and integration. The actual active time working with Kambo is only about 20-30 minutes, depending on your process.
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It can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. The more you focus on your intention, the smoother the experience tends to be. If you’re wanting a gentler session to ease into things, I’m happy to facilitate that as well.
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"Frog face" is the temporary swelling around the eyes and cheeks that some people experience after a Kambo session. In some cases, it can last up to 24 hours. Light activity, like walking, will help stimulate your lymphatic system and help reduce the swelling. It’s a normal part of the process and nothing to worry about!
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Every Kambo session is unique. You may feel energized and ready for action, or you might feel tired and need rest. It’s common to feel emotionally and mentally lighter, and most people notice increased energy by the next morning. Just listen to your body, rest, and stay hydrated.
It’s normal to experience detox symptoms afterward, like needing to go to the bathroom frequently as your body flushes out toxins. For the best recovery, please keep your day open after the session to allow time for rest.
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Kambo burns leave small, circular scars that fade over time but may stay on your skin. This depends on your skin and the healing process. While it’s often applied to the arms, we can choose a less visible spot if you’re worried about scarring.
Healing and Integration
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This is a complex question. While Kambo has been used for centuries by Indigenous Amazonian tribes to support health and address various ailments, its introduction to the Western world is still relatively recent. Many people have reported relief from conditions such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety, Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, migraines, chronic fatigue, addiction, and even neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
That said, no one should claim that Kambo is a cure for any disease. Scientific research on Kambo is still in its early stages, though there is a growing body of studies on the bioactive peptides found in its secretions and their potential to help with specific illnesses. These peptides have been shown to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and aid in cellular detoxification. While Western medicine has yet to fully explore Kambo’s potential, anecdotal evidence from thousands of people worldwide suggests significant healing effects.
Research on these peptides is promising for those seeking scientific validation, but Kambo is not an FDA-approved treatment. However, for those who have exhausted conventional options and seek alternative approaches to healing, Kambo has proven to be a powerful tool for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
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Yes. Kambo can be highly effective in helping release emotional blockages, process trauma, and bring mental clarity. The medicine works on both physical and emotional levels, aiding in the release of stored emotions and energy that may be causing imbalances.
Many people report feeling lighter, more focused, and emotionally clear after their sessions. While Kambo is not a substitute for therapy, it can be a powerful tool in your emotional and mental healing journey.
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A few ways to support the process:
Rest & Reflect: Take time to rest and journal your thoughts or emotions.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat nourishing foods.
Mindful Practices: Meditation, breathwork, or gentle walks can help you stay grounded.
Emotional Awareness: Be open to any emotions that arise and give yourself space to process them. Hold them with kindness.
Reach Out: I’m here for any questions or guidance during your integration. Don’t hesitate to connect!
Your Practitioner
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No. I do not hold formal medical or mental health degrees. My expertise in Kambo holistic services comes from the wisdom and teachings of the Matses tribe. I combine this traditional knowledge with insights from Western science and studies on Kambo, ensuring it’s served safely and effectively.
I do not offer professional mental health services, and I do not diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions. For sessions, participants are carefully screened to ensure that I operate within the boundaries of my training and experience.
Though I welcome individuals from all walks of life, I do not position myself as a replacement for professional medical or therapeutic care.
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3 years ago, my journey with Kambo began after a life-changing session greatly improved my mental and physical health during a depressive period. I went on to receive intensive training in the Amazon jungle, learning directly from a member of the Matses tribe, whose ancestors have used Kambo for centuries. As part of this training, I spent 9 days in isolation, where self-administration and deep reflection brought up and allowed me to release generational trauma and suppressed anger.
Through this powerful healing process, I gained a profound understanding of Kambo's transformative potential. I approach every session with deep respect for the medicine, guiding clients through their own experiences while ensuring safety, personalized support, and integration practices that help them process and benefit from Kambo’s healing effects.
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Yes. I provide ongoing support after your Kambo session. Whether you have questions, concerns, or need guidance with post-session integration, I'm here to help.
