Kambo Ceremony
Experience deep cleansing and transformation through the ancient Amazonian practice of Kambo. This sacred ceremony invites you to purge toxins—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and reconnect with your true self.
What is Kambo?
Kambo is a powerful secretion that comes from the Giant Green Monkey Tree Frog that lives in the Amazon rainforest in 30 to 40-meter-high trees! Kambo has a purifying effect on all levels; physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically, and spiritually. Its scientific name is Phyllomedusa Bicolor, meaning ‘Leaf Guardian’.
The tribes call it “vaccina de floresta”, as it is one of the strongest natural ways to boost the immune system. It is also one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antibiotic, and anesthetic substances on earth. It can destroy various types of viruses, fungi, and parasites from the body. It also detoxes the liver and the intestines from all sorts of toxins.
The Origins
Indigenous tribes from the Amazon, particularly in Brazil, have used Kambo medicine for thousands of years. Each tribe has its unique rituals and ways of working with Kambo, but traditionally, it was used to cleanse, strengthen, and energize both the mind and body. Hunters would take Kambo to enhance their stamina—running faster, longer, and with less need for food and sleep. The tribes also used this powerful medicine to treat malaria, fever, infections, and various diseases, helping them maintain their vitality in challenging environments.
Beyond its physical effects, Kambo has been used spiritually by the tribes to remove “Panema”—negative or stagnant energy that manifests as bad luck, sickness, depression, laziness, or a clouded mind. By clearing Panema, life becomes easier and more fluid. Obstacles can be overcome, and the individual is free to live in abundance and harmony, with life flowing naturally once again.
The Science
Contrary to misconceptions, Kambo is not a poison. Science has shown that the secretion contains a unique cocktail of bioactive peptides and neuropeptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of life, and they serve as messengers in the body, much like hormones. They can influence a wide range of functions, from immune responses to energy regulation and mood enhancement. In fact, once peptides reach a certain length, they form proteins—essential building blocks of our body.
The peptides found in Kambo have been shown to stimulate various systems in the body, including the immune, digestive, and nervous systems. For example, some peptides have potent anti-inflammatory properties, while others can help clear toxins, enhance brain function, and even promote the regeneration of cells. Because our cells are naturally familiar with peptides, they easily absorb the medicine, inviting these beneficial compounds to work deeply within the body.
"Frog teaches us to honor our tears,
for they cleanse the soul."
Potential benefits and effects of Kambo
Effects that people have reported after a Kambo ceremony
- Increased endurance and physical strength
- Feeling healthier and more vital in their body
- Feeling more flexible in their body
- Elimination of pain and stiffness in the body
- Increased sense of well-being;
- Enhanced mood, feeling lighter, happier
- Feeling energized during the day and enjoying deeper sleep at night.
- Experience a clear and quiet mind
- Heightened awareness, focus, and alertness
- Resilience to stress, fatigue, and anxiety
- Overcoming blockages and obstacles on all levels
- Feeling more confident, letting go of insecurities and fears
- Feeling empowered and emotionally more in balance
- Letting go of past traumas and issues
- Feeling more grounded and having a sense of trust
- Generally being more balanced and feel calmer and at ease.
- A deeper connection to one's Self, their truth, essence, and purpose.
Kambo has helped people suffering from:
Karen Darke; Master practitioner and head of the International Association of Kambo Practitioners, has treated thousands of people with Kambo who suffer from different diseases. Kambo can have a positive effect on the following physical and mental illnesses:
- Anxiety
- Mild depression, depressive moods
- lack of drive
- PTSD
- Chronic fatigue & Burnout
- Chronic pain
- HIV
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Candida
- Herpes
- Lyme disease
- High blood pressure
- Cancer or repair immune system after chemo
- Fertility issues
- Allergies
- Gastritis,
- Skin and eye diseases
- Recurrent infections
- Migraine
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Addictions
- and much, much more.”
The structure of a Kambo ceremony
A private Kambo ceremony can be booked privately, or up to 3 people, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. The ceremony typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours, giving us plenty of time for the entire process. You can choose between a traditional Kambo Ceremony or a Kambo Retreat Day, which includes additional practices like breathwork and sound healing.
The opening
Before we begin, we’ll review the process together and set your intentions for the ceremony. We’ll determine the number and location of the points (or gates) for your treatment. If it’s your first ceremony, we’ll start with a test point to observe your reaction and decide how many points are ideal for you.
Traditionally, points are placed on the right ankle for women and the left upper arm or shoulder for men. Depending on your needs, you may receive between 3 to 9 points in either a Basic or Layered treatment.
To ground and center you, I will open the ceremony with a calming meditation, followed by a short breathwork session to bring you fully into your body.
Open the gates
The points, known as gates, are created by gently burning the top layer of skin with a small incense stick, which exposes the epidermis. There is no blood involved, and the number of gates and their placement depend on your individual needs.
Please note that these marks may leave scars (“dragons blood” will help with this ;)), although they sometimes fade over time depending on placement and skin type. However, as a warrior medicine, these scars can serve as a reminder of your strength and the journey you’ve undertaken.
Before applying the Kambo, you will drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water to help flush out toxins during the ceremony.
The process
Once the Kambo is applied, the cleansing process begins. This is a physically intense experience, often involving purging in various forms. Although it can be uncomfortable, the process typically lasts between 20 to 40 minutes, and I’ll be there to support you every step of the way.
During the ceremony, I will use music, instruments, and additional plant medicines like Hapé, White Sage, and Agua de Florida to guide and assist your healing process. I’ll remind you to breathe, stay grounded, and connect with your inner strength.
Hapé (Rapé) is a traditional Amazonian snuff made from sacred tobacco and plant ashes. It helps to release blockages, ground the mind, and promote relaxation.
Integration
At the end of the ceremony, I will apply Dragon’s Blood (a natural tree resin) to your gates. This accelerates healing, reduces scarring, and forms a protective bandage over the gates to prevent infection.
The integration phase is vital, allowing your body and mind to rest and process the experience. I’ll support this with soothing healing sounds and frequencies to help your energy settle.
Additionally, I offer Sananga, a traditional Amazonian eye medicine. Sananga eye drops help cleanse and refresh the eyes, improve clarity and vision, and center your energy, grounding you after the intensity of the Kambo ceremony.
We’ll conclude the ceremony with a brief sharing circle, where we’ll reflect on your experience while enjoying some nourishing food and tea.
Types of Kambo treatment
Layered
Chakra
Meridian
Auricular
Cleansing Frog Medicine
“Frog sings the song that brings the rain and makes the road dirt more bearable. Frog medicine is akin to water energy, and the East on the medicine wheel. Frog teaches us to honor our tears, for they cleanse the soul. Water prepares and cleanses the body for sacred ceremonies…
Frog speaks of new life and harmony through its rain song. Call on Frog and find peace in the joy of taking time to give to yourself. A part of this giving is cleansing yourself of any person, place, or thing that does not contribute to your new state of serenity and replenishment”
Contraindications, Cautions and Considerations
When Kambo is NOT for you at this moment.
Kambo is safe when responsibly given by a trained practitioner and has no detrimental side effects. Though, there are a number of people with contraindications who cannot receive a Kambo treatment safely. These include:
- People who have serious heart problems.
- People who have had a stroke.
- People who are taking medication for low blood pressure.
- People who have had a brain hemorrhage.
- People who have aneurysms or blood clots.
- People who lack the mental capacity to make their own decision to take Kambo.
- People who have serious mental health problems (excluding depression, PTSD and anxiety)
- People who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy for 4-6 weeks afterward.
- People who are taking immune suppressants for organ transplants.
- People who are recovering from a major surgical procedure.
- Women who are pregnant or suspect they may be so.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding babies under the age of 6 months old.
- People with Addison’s disease.
- People with current and severe epilepsy.
- People with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- Under 18’s & Animals
- People who have worked with Bufo Alvarius (toad medicine) in the last 6-8 weeks prior to Kambo.
Extra caution is required when...
It is important to let me know if any of the following cases connect to your situation.
- People taking slimming, serotonin, and/or sleeping supplements.
- People taking immune suppressants for auto-immune disorders.
- People with active drug or alcohol addictions. There needs to be a period of abstinence prior and each drug has different times.
- People who have been fasting/water-fasting for 7 days Before (or After) Kambo.
- People who have had enemas, colonics, liver flushes or any water based detox 3 days Before (or After) taking Kambo.
- Severe injury or trauma to the Esophagus neck or throat.
- If you’re taking or have recently stopped taking any medications
- If you’re taking or have recently stopped taking any diet/slimming pills.
- If you’re regularly taking anti-diuretic medication or sports drinks.
- If you have ever been, or are currently bulimic or anorexic.
- If you’re epileptic.
- If you have abnormally high or low blood pressure.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have any chronic or serious health issues.
- If you have asthma,
- If you have diabetes.
Are you ready to work with the frog?
Personalized Kambo Ceremonies
I offer Kambo ceremonies in my space in Amsterdam when I’m in the Netherlands. Prefer the comfort of your own home? Let’s discuss options for me to come to you.
Unique Approach
What sets my ceremonies apart is the time and care I devote to your healing journey. I prioritize integration, allowing space for reflection and support. And yes, many come back just for my homemade soup! If you’re looking for deeper transformation, I also offer exclusive 1:1 Deep Dive journeys.
Group Ceremonies
Looking for a shared experience? You can gather up to two friends for a group ceremony (max 3 people). Reach out to discuss group options and pricing.
Ceremony Options & Pricing:
Flexible pricing: Healing should be accessible to everyone. I offer a sliding-scale payment option, so you can choose what feels right for you. If you have a little extra to contribute, your generosity helps support others on their healing journey too. No matter the payment, you’ll receive the same level of dedicated care.
Kambo Ceremony: A traditional Kambo experience in a supportive environment.
Sliding scale: €188,- / € 366,-
Kambo Retreat Day: A full-day retreat including Kambo, breathwork, and sound healing for a deeper transformation.
Sliding scale: €344,- – €555,-
Warrior Treatment: This treatment consists of three separate Kambo ceremonies performed within one moon cycle (approximately 28 days). By spacing the ceremonies in this way, you allow the medicine to work in layers, helping you to release deeper blockages, and o promote lasting change.
Sliding scale: €555,- – €1111,-
What people say about the Kambo ceremonies
Frequently asked questions about Kambo
Mental preparation:
It is a nice time to contemplate and reflect upon your intentions.
Why do you feel called to the frog? What are your intentions? What are you ready to let go of and release? What would you like to invite into your life? On what level(s) are you looking for a transformation? Physical, emotional, mental, energetic, or spiritual?
The frog is the great revealer, and, likely, the frog will eventually seek out, find, and dig up any old stuff that has been buried within.
Food preparation
I think it is obvious the cleaner the better. A clean diet with lots of greens and fruits will make your process probably a lot easier than a lot of fast food…
There are no strict rules foodwise, some tribes stay away from sugar, and tobacco and keep sexual abstinence for 3 weeks before and after the ceremony. This is an option, you can give it a try.
With alcohol and drugs/ medicines there are different times of abstinence so please be honest about this in the questionnaire.
NOTE: do NOT take any recreational drugs at least 7 days before and after the Kambo Ceremony.
I recommend you reduce your coffee intake and if you are a coffee enthusiast like me, I recommend you stop 5 days before the ceremony. This will prevent headaches during and after the ceremony.
Practical Preparation:
- Please do not attempt any sort of fast 7 days Before or After Kambo.
- Do not begin any colonics, enemas, water-based detox, liver flushes, or sweat lodge 3 Days Before or After Kambo.
- Do not take recreational drugs (7 days or longer depending on the drugs) or drink alcohol (24 hours) Before and After Kambo.
- Do not eat any food 12 hours Before Kambo. It’s important to fast for these 12 hours immediately before a Kambo treatment.
- Do not drink coffee or caffeinated tea on the morning of your treatment.
- Do not drink large amounts of water or fluid on the morning of your Kambo treatment. This is for your safety.
- You can drink 1 cup of hot tea on the morning of your Kambo treatment, and sip on small amounts of water if needed. Do not add honey. This can disturb your electrolyte balance.
- Stop all fluid intake 2 hours before your Kambo treatment.
You will be required to drink up to 2L of water 10-15 minutes immediately before your Kambo is applied, as part of the purging process. This is why it’s important to avoid drinking excessive water beforehand, to avoid electrolyte imbalance, potentially leading to hyponatremia (dangerously low sodium levels).
If you are unsure about any of the preparation protocols or have questions or concerns, please get in touch and ask before the ceremony.
Kambo and Its Peptide Compounds
The secretion from the Amazonian giant monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor) contains over 24 identified peptide compounds, along with steroids, alkaloids, and proteins. These compounds have been extensively studied for their medicinal effects, drawing significant interest from pharmaceutical companies for potential drug development. Interestingly, while Kambo is often referred to as a “poison,” studies indicate very low toxicity to mammals, making it safe for ceremonial use under proper guidance.
Peptides: The Body’s Powerful Messengers
Peptides are essential for human biology, functioning as hormones, signaling molecules, and enzymes. Many well-known molecules, like insulin, oxytocin, and endorphins, are peptides that play critical roles in regulating processes like pain relief, emotional bonding, and blood sugar levels. Peptides from Kambo work similarly, communicating with cells and systems in the body to produce specific therapeutic effects.
Key Peptides in Kambo and Their Unique Functions
Dermorphins and Deltorphins
- Function: Potent opioid-like peptides with strong analgesic effects.
- How They Work: Dermorphins and Deltorphins bind to opioid receptors, providing pain relief with a potency up to 1000 times greater than endorphins and 30-40 times stronger than morphine. Unlike traditional opioids, they do not show dependency or abuse potential.
- Benefits: Powerful pain relief, gastroprotective properties via the vagal nerve, and neuroregulatory potential, offering relief without risk of addiction.
Dermaseptins
- Function: Peptides with significant antibiotic and anticancer properties.
- How They Work: Dermaseptins destroy harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa upon contact. They have been effective against pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, herpes, HIV, and malaria-causing protozoans without damaging animal cells. Some dermaseptins, like adrenoregulin, increase blood-brain barrier permeability, which could be beneficial for drug delivery systems.
- Benefits: Potential treatment for infections and cancer due to selective pathogen-killing abilities; ongoing research is exploring their role in killing cancer cells and inhibiting their growth.
Phyllomedusin
- Function: Peptide that regulates neurotransmitter release and acts as a vasodilator.
- How it Works: Phyllomedusin interacts with the tachykinin system, which helps release serotonin and dopamine. It also causes rapid contraction of the intestinal muscles and increases vascular permeability.
- Benefits: Contributes to Kambo’s purgative effects, enhances circulation, and supports neurotransmitter regulation, potentially helping to manage mood and stress.
Phyllokinin
- Function: A vasodilator that influences the bradykinin system.
- How it Works: Phyllokinin relaxes smooth muscle tissue and rapidly decreases blood pressure, which may cause temporary fainting in some people.
- Benefits: Supports blood flow and circulation, has hypotensive effects, and may influence blood-brain permeability.
Phyllocaerulein
- Function: Peptide that stimulates digestive enzymes and hormone release.
- How it Works: Phyllocaerulein stimulates the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, causes gallbladder contractions, and triggers secretion of gastric and pancreatic juices. This peptide also has a vasodilating effect, contributing to the blood pressure-lowering effects of Kambo.
- Benefits: Supports digestion, may aid in detoxification, and helps to lower blood pressure by influencing smooth muscle and vascular functions.
Sauvagine
- Function: Regulates the body’s stress response.
- How it Works: Sauvagine interacts with the cortico-releasing hormone system, affecting the pituitary-adrenal axis, which plays a significant role in stress and mood regulation. It can also cause an increase in heart rate (tachycardia).
- Benefits: Balances stress hormones, helps modulate mood and impulse control, and strengthens the body’s ability to handle stress.
No experience of a Kambo is the same, it can be fast and smooth or more difficult and you can find yourself struggling for a bit. Know in these situations that you can call upon the spirit of the Kambo and ask for strength, you will notice that this will help you.
Kambo enters directly into the Lymphatic System so the effect is very fast. Once the Kambo is on you can feel the following things arise. Know that these are normal:
- Your heartbeat raising, and pounding sensations in your head
- Your body temperature increases and you can feel warm to hot flushes in your upper body and face
- Heavy breathing
- Your face and throat can swell up
- Feeling dizzy, foggy, or spaced out.
- Occasionally people can shake or faint
- You can feel anxiety coming up
- The feeling of nausea and abdominal discomfort
- Feelings of numbness
- Some skin reactions may appear
One of the things that the secretion will make you do is purge. This can come in different ways.
There can be vomiting, shaking, sweating, a “bottom purge”, an emotional purge like crying, or a vocal purge where you can feel the urge to make sounds (please do so). Know that you are in a safe space and that all are welcome and held with compassion.
You can also experience a feeling of complete oneness and bliss. Whatever happens, you can be sure that a deep transformation is happening. The Kambo is also called ‘the big revealer’; it brings to the surface what has been hidden.
The frog is a symbol of the reclaiming of personal power. It reminds us of who we truly are.
The frogs live in the Upper Amazon, and they stay there. So whatever you’ve heard about licking frogs, this isn’t it ;-). The frogs don’t have any natural predators. The tribes sing their mating songs and they climb down the 30 to 40-meter-high trees.
I make sure that I get it from a trusted source: The International Association of Kambo Practitioners. The IAKP makes sure that the frogs get treated with love and care and that the money of Kambo goes to the Tribes.
It’s helpful to note that if you’re menstruating at the time of your treatment, Kambo can cause your flow to increase for 24 to 36 hours, due to its vasodilation properties. Also, it might cause temporary cramps. Let me know when this happens, I can prepare a hot water bottle for you.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your Kambo treatment. Layers are always good, due to the potential fluctuation in body temperature.
Remove tight, restrictive jewelry Before your Kambo treatment, due to the potential swelling of body parts.
Sometimes you can sweat a lot, for this reason, I advise you to bring an extra outfit.
I strongly advise you to rest after your ceremony. You might feel great and have a lot of energy but even then it is best to rest.
Try to make little to no plans for the remainder of your day after your treatment. You may need to rest and recuperate.
- You can bring some fresh clothes just in case and bring different layers for warm and cold.
- You may bring something that is of value to you that you would like to put on the altar to charge with energy.
- You may bring your own shawl/blanket if you prefer, I have blankets available of course.
- Something to tie up long hair when necessary.
- People with asthma should bring their inhaler with them (as a precautionary measure).
- People with diabetes should bring their insulin, testing strips and extra food.
- Your willingness and trust to surrender to the Great Spirit of Kambo <3.
There are a few things to be mindful of when I will come to you to give a ceremony in the comfort of your own house.
- Please make sure you have the house for yourself so no one can distract you
- Make sure there will be no animals or pets in the ceremony space during the process
- It is important to have a toilet close to the ceremony space and on the same floor
- I will make use of smoke and smudging gear; make sure all fire alarms can be turned off during the ceremony.
- You can think about something that is of value to you to put on the personal altar
- Enough space for you and me to sit and lie down. You will use your own (yoga)mat or small mattress and I will sit next to you.
- Make sure you will have some nourishing food of your favorite at home that I can make for you after the ceremony. For example some soup, salad or fruit with oats/porridge.
Yes, Kambo is legal in most parts of the world.