FAQs

It is common to have many questions when considering embarking on a healing journey with kambo. Please peruse these frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that have not been covered, please contact me here.

Is kambo dangerous?

Kambo is very safe for the majority of people but it is imperative that kambo is administered and supervised by a trained and experienced practitioner. Kambo is not suitable for everyone, as some health conditions are contraindicated. A list of contraindications can be found here.

 Whilst there have been a very small number of deaths associated with kambo, these have been due to the person having pre-existing health conditions which would have contraindicated them from receiving kambo. Therefore it is vital that you share your full medical history with your practitioner before attending a ceremony. Always be confident that your practitioner is trained, knowledgeable and experienced before attending a ceremony with them.  

Boerhaave syndrome

Boerhaave syndrome is a spontaneous perforation of the oesophagus caused by a sudden increase in intraesophageal pressure as a result of severe straining or vomiting. Whilst this is an extremely rare occurrence, it is vital that you are informed and have an understanding of this risk before attending a kambo ceremony. Currently there are three recorded cases of oesophageal rupture during kambo worldwide.

Before your kambo ceremony begins, you will be asked to sign a consent form stating that you have been made aware of and have an understanding of this risk.

To read more about Boerhaave syndrome, click here.

It is also important to note that if you intend on receiving kambo in the Amazon jungle, some tribes will not be well versed in some Western medical conditions and medications. Please be cautious in these situations. Research beforehand is necessary.

Does the application of kambo hurt and is scarring permanent? 

Kambo is applied to the body through “gates”, which are superficial burns made on the top layer of the skin with a natural incense stick or a tamishi (a thin stick traditionally used in the jungle). Water is then applied to the site to cause a small blister to form, which is then rubbed off to expose the skin underneath. This allows the kambo to pass into the body through the lymphatic system when applied to the gate. The blistering is minimal, being less deep than the blister you would get from wearing shoes that are too tight. The burns are light, quick and feel like a sharp pin prick or sting. The level of pain will vary according to the area of the body the gate is burned as well as individual pain threshold, but I have never worked with a client who found this process overly sore! 

Level of scarring will depend on skin tone. It is usual for gates to fade within a few months to a level that is barely noticeable, but it is a possibility that small visible scars will remain long term. We will work together to make sure your gates are as aesthetically pleasing for you as possible. Those who sit with kambo generally view these scars as a badge of honour and a reminder of their connection with kambo and commitment to their healing. 

After a kambo treatment, the gates will be dressed with a medicinal Amazonian tree sap called Dragon’s Blood (Sangre de Grado), which will reduce pain and inflammation of the area, accelerate healing and reduce scarring.

Is kambo illegal?

No, kambo is not an illegal substance. The only laws currently surrounding kambo are the following: 

In Brazil, it is illegal to advertise the benefits of kambo but the use of kambo is allowed.

In parts of Australia, the administration of kambo is banned but the secretion itself is not.

Is kambo hallucinogenic?

No, kambo is not a psychoactive substance.

How often should I take kambo? 

This depends on what brings you to kambo. Many people begin or deepen their journey with a Vacina da Floresta (three sessions within a month). For those looking to maintain the work achieved with kambo or continue the detox, one session every month to quarterly feels natural to them. As a practitioner, I encourage you to listen to your intuition and the “call” you may often feel from kambo when deciding how often to come to a ceremony. I will never try to encourage you to have more sessions than you feel necessary. The only exception is if you are suffering from a chronic health condition or deep emotional blockage, in which case I will suggest a particular number of sessions to ensure maximum results. Generally, 10-12 times per year would be the maximum number of sessions recommended. However this can vary depending on individual circumstances.

To read a blog post about this topic, click here.

Do you sell kambo? Can you train me to self administer kambo? 

I do not sell kambo to the public. To protect the reputation and sanctity of this medicine, I strongly advise against self administration unless you have received training in how to do so safely. Self administering, or administering kambo to another person without adequate training can unfortunately lead to accidents. 

I do not offer any sort of training personally. For information on practitioner training please contact me.

What causes the unpleasant sensations associated with a kambo cleanse? Is it an allergic reaction or the body “fighting against” kambo?

Unfortunately, there is much misinformation online surrounding this topic. The sensations experienced during a kambo cleanse are naturally caused by the peptides found within the kambo secretion. They are not due to an immune response of the body, nor are they symptoms of an allergic reaction. For more information on the peptides within the kambo secretion, click here.

Do I have to purge (vomit) during a kambo session?

Generally, yes. As kambo enters the cells of the body, it pulls the toxins that have accumulated there into the stomach. The peptides Phyllocaerulein and Phyllolitorin which are responsible for smooth muscle contractions in the body, will cause these toxins to exit the body via a purge of the water you have ingested beforehand. Holding in a purge will cause these toxins to be reabsorbed, which can result in you not feeling the full effects of the kambo cleanse. That being said, not everyone will experience the desire to purge and this does not mean that you haven’t received a “proper” kambo cleanse. For some, they may experience another type of purge such as diarrhoea, sweating, crying or shaking. Or if you’re lucky, a combination of everything! It is all normal.

Can I take kambo if I’m menstruating/due my period?

Yes you can. If you are due your period around the time of your ceremony, kambo may cause it to start early. If you currently have your period at the time of your ceremony, your flow may increase for 24-36 hours. If you usually suffer from cramping, you may experience a bit of cramping and/or feel energy moving in the womb during the process. This is due to kambo containing powerful vasodilators.

What should I expect during a kambo session? 

Please see the ‘The Kambo Experience’ section here. If you have any questions that are unanswered, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I’m suffering from a chronic illness/non-contraindicated mental illness/addiction. Do you have any recommendations for me as I embark on a healing journey with kambo? 

Kambo is often known as “the great revealer”. It can uncover repressed memories, emotions or energies that you were previously unaware of. Kambo does this to allow for these issues to be released and healed, creating space for you to create the life you desire. However, it can often feel unnerving to be faced with such things. I am happy to discuss anything that comes up for you during your kambo ceremony but I always recommend having a support system in place such as a therapist and/or a trusted friend or family member that you can talk to. I can make recommendations and referrals if necessary, depending on your needs.