Kambo is a secretion from one of the largest Hylid frogs known as the Giant Green Monkey Tree Frog. Its scientific name is Phyllomedusa Bicolor. The secretion is not a sweat nor a poison in the sense that it alone is not capable of causing death or illness. In the Amazon, it is regarded as a medicne however this should not be confused with the western definition of a medicine. Kambo is not a medicine and those that administer it are practitioners and not doctors.
Traditionally Kambo is used in three ways: before a hunt to cleanse, strengthen and energise the minds and bodies of the hunters while providing them with a sense of clarity. As a remedy for malaria, fevers, infections and snake bites and thirdly to remove dark or negative energies called panema. When panema is cleared everything becomes easier, obstacles can be overcome and life flows more naturally.
Since it has been introduced into the western world Kambo has been the subject of medical research for close to three decades. This research has suggested that Kambo may open up new treatment options for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Chronic Pain; Cancer; HIV; Parkinson’s Disease; Alzheimer’s; Vascular problems; Depression; Hepatitis; Diabetes; Rheumatism; Arthritis and Addiction issues to name a few.
Benefits of Kambo
Scientific research has begun to uncover the numerous benefits of Kambo These benefits are derived from the bio and neuroactive peptides that are found in the secretion and have been found to have a profound effect on the body in the following ways:
Deeply Cleansing and Detoxifying
Assisting in the management of Chronic Pain
Powerful Anti Inflammatory; Antibiotic; Antimicrobial and Antiseptic properties
Immune system boosting
Liver & Intestinal Cleaning
Kambo further is known to provide the following short-term benefits enhanced mood, alertness, clarity, focus, energy and increased resistance to stress, tiredness, hunger and thirst. The mind becomes still, you feel lighter and everything becomes easier to manage.
Further research by the University of Paris and Queens University in Belfast have shown promising results in anti tumor and angiostatic properties of a peptide found within Kambo, called Dermaseptin B2.
While this is by no means the full list of benefits one may receive from Kambo, modern science is yet to fully understand Kambo or the complex interaction of the peptides it contains. What is known is Kambo works holistically on the mind, body and spirit of a person.
The Science of Kambo
Vittorio Erspamer, an Italian pharmacologist and two time Nobel Prize nominee, was the first person to analyse Kambo in the lab. He was well regarded in his field having discovered more than 60 chemical compounds, most notable Serotonin.
In 1979, he began to focus on opioid peptides specific to Phyllomedusa tree frog. The peptides discovered by Erspamer in Kambo have the ability, unlike many other natural and pharmaceutical substances, to cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling it to reach deep into the body and bring support to otherwise difficult to treat areas.
To date, researchers have discovered nine peptides within Kambo that perform specific functions in the body. These peptides perform hormone-like tasks while others provide support to vital cellular processes. Some of these peptides have a potent effect on the gastrointestinal muscles, gastric and pancreatic secretions, blood circulation, and on the stimulation of the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland. Many peptides have since been isolated from the Kambo secretion and have been synthesized. As a testament to their medicinal properties, there are over 70 Kambo patents lodged, mainly in the USA.
The major peptides identified in the Kambo secretion include:
Dermorphin – In the Sauvagine family of peptides, Dermorphin has potent pain-killing properties and has been found to be 30-40 times stronger than morphine.
Dermaseptin – has powerful antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeast, fungi, protozoa, and enveloped viruses that often cause severe opportunistic infections, particularly those accompanying use of immuno suppressive agents.
Dermaseptin B2/Adenoregulin – A 33 amino acid peptide. This antimicrobial peptide has been show to be working effectively on cancer cells.
Deltorphin – Deltorphin is a potent painkiller and has a higher affinity and selectivity for delta-opiod binding sites than any other natural compound yet known.
Phyllocaerulein – A natural painkiller that modifies satiety and sedation, reduces blood pressure and affects thermoregulation.
Phyllokinin – This neuropeptide causes a long lasting reduction in blood pressure.
Phyllomedusin – A neuropeptide that is a powerful Vasodilator and has a strong effect on tear ducts, salivary glands, intestines and bowels. This peptide contributes to the purging usually experienced when taking Kambo.
Tryptophyllins – This peptide has been found to be highly potent against the yeast candida albicans, and is being researched for cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapy.
Contra-Indicators
While Kambo is completely safe under normal conditions there are physiological and psychological conditions which make the application extremely dangerous and life threatening and as such Kambo will not be administered to individuals with the following conditions:
Serious Heart Conditions
Medicated Low Blood Pressure
Brain Haemorrhage
Aneurism or Blood Clots
Stroke
Serious Mental Health Issues (excluding Depression, PTSD and Anxiety)
Current Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy patients up to a period 4 weeks after the final treatment
On Immune-suppressants for organ transplants
Addison’s Disease
Epileptics (Severe or current)
While in recovery from a major surgical procedure
Are under the age of 18 or lack the mental capacity to consent to take Kambo
Pregnant Woman or Trying
Woman who are breastfeeding if the child is younger than 6 month
The International Association of Kambo Practitioners (IAKP)
The IAKP is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the responsible and ethical use of Kambo as a modality. This is achieved through rigorous and thorough training of practitioners and ensuring that anyone who completes the training is well versed in the practical application of Kambo, safety precautions and contra-indicators and agrees to abide by the IAKP code of conducts. .
This ensures that anyone treated by an IAKP practitioner can rest easy that they are in safe hands. As the practitioner is not only competent in the modality but has a network spanning the globe of fellow practitioners who they are able to consult with to ensure treatment plans for difficult or unusual conditions will be safe and benefit the client.
The IAKP further ensures that any Kambo purchased through the organisation is harvested ethical and contributes to the sustainability of the tribes of the Amazon by providing them with a fair trade price for their product and is actively involved supporting the Matses tribe by donating a portion of the membership fees to them. For more information about the the IAKP please visit http://www.iakp.org/.
