Kambô is a secretion from one of the largest Hylid frogs known as the Giant Green Tree Frog. Its scientific name is Phyllomedusa Bicolor. The secretion is a potent toxin priomarily used for the frog’s protection. In the Amazon, it is regarded as a medicine however this should not be confused with the western definition of a medicine.
KAMBO
AMAZON FROG MEDICINE
Kambo
Each tribe has its own legend or story about how they came to use Kambô. The most prevalent legend comes from Brazil. This Huni Kuin (Kaxinawá) legend tells that the Indians of the tribe were very ill and their medicine man (Pajé in Brazil) had done everything that was possible to cure them. All medicinal herbs known were used, but none helped.
Under the effect of sacred plant medicines, he entered the forest and whilst there received a visit from a female spirit of the forest. She brought in her hands a frog, from which she took a white secretion, and taught the Pajé how to apply it. Returning to the tribe and following the guidelines he had received, the Pajé was able to cure his brothers and sisters. From then on he was known as Pajé Kampu or Kampum.
After his death, his spirit lived on in the frog, where it continued its mission to protect the health of those who defend the forest. The secretion became known as Kambô, but in some tribes it is called Sapo, Dow-Kiet, Kampu or Vacina da Floresta. I have had the honor of traveling into primary jungle on a new moon to catch the frogs and harvest this medicine.
How Kambo works
Kambo enters the body via the lymphatic system and move through the body very rapidly eventually cleaning the lymphatic system, liver, gallbladder and is said to help remove heavy metals from the body while stimulating and strengthening the immune system via dozens of peptides contained in the medicine. It is also used to remove afflicting energies from the body.
Prices for Kambo ceremony
One-on-one
Private Kambo ceremony
US$50
Groups of 2 to 6 people
Group Kambo ceremony
US$40 per person
