Kambo Explained: What It Is, How It’s Used, and Known Risks
Phyllomedusa bicolor is the source of the Kambo skin secretion.
What is Kambo
Kambo is the skin secretion of the giant monkey frog, Phyllomedusa bicolor. In Amazonian contexts it is used as a cleansing rite and is sometimes called the “vaccine of the forest.”
At Kambo International, we focus on education, safety, and ethical practice. You can learn more about the frog, historical use, and research from our hub pages.
How a typical session is conducted
Application method: Small superficial points are opened on the skin. The secretion is applied to these points for rapid uptake.
Immediate effects commonly reported: heat or flushing, facial swelling, tingling or pressure, nausea, vomiting, and short-lived difficulty moving. Purging is common.
Duration: acute effects are short. A 2020 study found only subtle acute psychoactive effects, with many participants describing positive “afterglow”-type feelings in the days after.
What people seek Kambo for
Community reports often mention detoxification, focus, reduced pain, and support with challenging habits.
Known medical risks and safety notes
Kambo is a potent bioactive secretion. Case reports and reviews document serious adverse events. These events are rare in absolute terms but include life-threatening complications.
Documented risks include:
Electrolyte imbalance and hyponatremia from excess water intake around sessions.
Liver injury including acute toxic hepatitis.
Neurologic events including seizures.
Cardiovascular complications and rare sudden death. Recent systematic reviews summarize these events and stress caution.
Risk is likely higher for people with underlying heart, liver, or kidney disease, seizure disorders, or those on certain medications. Anyone considering Kambo should evaluate personal risk with a qualified medical professional. Training curricula at KI include contraindications, warning signs, and first aid to reduce risk during practice.
What a safe, ethical practice prioritizes
Screening and informed consent before any session.
Hydration protocols that avoid overconsumption of water.
Conservative dosing and close observation during the acute phase.
Aftercare guidance to restore electrolytes and rest.
Respect for indigenous knowledge and sustainable sourcing.
Research and further reading
Kambo International research hub with links to scientific papers. Kambo International
Acute and subacute effects study. Nature
Literature reviews and case series on harms. PMC+1
Case report of toxic hepatitis. PMC
Neurology case series on neurologic complications. American Academy of Neurology
