Legend Says…
“There is a Kaxinawá legend that tells that the Indians of the village were very ill and the Shaman Kampu had done everything that was possible to cure them. All medicinal herbs known were used, but none helped his people's agony. Kampu then entered the forest and under the effect of Ayahuasca, received the visit of the great God. He brought in His hands a frog, from which He took a white secretion, and taught how to apply. Returning to the tribe and following the guidelines that he had received the Shaman Kampu was able to cure his brother Indians. After his death, the spirit of Kampu has started living in the frog and the Indians began to use its secretion to stay active and healthy.”
-Marcelo Bolshaw Gomes
What is Kambo?
Kambo is the secretion of the Giant Monkey Tree Frog (Phyllomedusa Bicolor). The frogs reside in the Igarapes of the Amazon Rainforest with no natural predators. Traditionally Kambo is used by the Indigenous people of the Amazon to clear negative energy known as “panema,” strengthen and energize the minds of hunters, and heal various infections and illnesses.
Research revealed a unique mixture of peptides in Kambo, some of which have antibacterial, anti-protozoan, and pain-reduction properties. In other research, recipients report positive effects on mental and physical health. Recipients report reduced symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
In Western society, Kambo is used to support the immune system and physical detoxification, improve mental and emotional health symptoms, and facilitate self-exploration.
History
The first documentation of Kambo was made in 1925 by french priest father Constantin Tastevin and then later by American anthropologist Katherine Milton in the 1980s. Shortly after, Peter Gorman experienced sapo with the Matses in Peru. There is a great misconception that Kambo is connected to shamans and curanderos. However, More than 50% of the tribal population work with Kambo, and the women of several tribes have their secret ways of using Kambo. There are many tribes in the Amazon that claim ownership over Kambo and have developed stories and traditions over thousands of years.
"Nobody can ever own Kambo. It is for everyone”
The Matses
Harvesting Kambo
The frogs reside in tall trees known as Igarapes in the rainforest and are traditionally harvested shortly after dawn. Due to the frog not having any natural predators, they have a very passive demeanor and are willing to be picked up and even come out to be harvested.
The frogs are treated with reverence and are never harmed. The frogs are gently tied up and massaged to induce their secretion. The first layer of secretion and nothing more is harvested so the frog can protect itself when released. When the frog is released back into its habitat, tiny white lines are left from the strings. These white lines fade in 2-3 months and help the indigenous people from over-harvesting.
The native people believe that to anger or harm the frog will anger the animal spirits of the jungle.
Kambo harvested this way is considered ethically harvested. All Kambo used is ethically and sustainably harvested. Proceeds of purchased Kambo go directly back to the tribe, specifically the matses.
Modern Uses
Kambo has a unique concentration of bioactive peptides that enter through the lymphatic system. Kambo being a natural substance, the body recognizes the peptides and unlocks at a cellular level with no stress to the cell as opposed to most medications’ direct penetration of the membrane.
Detox and Cleansing
Chronic Pain
Chronic Fatigue
Migraine
Gut and Digestive Issues
Blood Circulation
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Autoimmune Disorders
Lyme Disease
Parasites
Depression
Anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Addiction
Grief and Loss
Panic Attacks
Self-Exploration
Self-Empowerment
Clear Negative Energies
Kambo has been reported to help the above conditions but is not limited to. Claims are supported by research of self reports.