KAMBO
A healing power beyond all wealth.
Kambo, also known as Sapo or the Giant Monkey Frog, is a natural medicine which has been used by Amazonian indigenous tribes for thousands of years. Its use dates back to pre-Columbian times and it has been an integral part of medicine in the Amazon basin.
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Kambo medicine extraction is performed in a respectful and careful manner by the medicine people who believe in the healing properties of Kambo, or the Spirit of the Frog, and therefore do not wish to harm the frogs. These frogs lack fear because of their waxy secretion that protects them from potential prey, which is also the substance that the tribes harvest for medicine.
Kambo is also referred to as 'the vaccine of the forest'. The therapy involves applying secretions from the Kambo frog's skin, which contains bioactive peptides that have various therapeutic properties.
HISTORY & BACKGROUND
Kambo (Phyllomedusa bicolor) is a tree frog native to the Amazon basin, and its secretion has been used in traditional medicine by indigenous people for centuries as a tool for personal growth and transformation, as well as for the treatment of various physical and mental health conditions. It is believed to have a purifying and cleansing effect on the body and mind, and to help promote spiritual awareness and connection.
The Kambo secretion contains a diverse range of biologically active peptides, including dermorphin, deltorphin, and caerulein. Dermorphin and deltorphin are potent opioid peptides that can interact with the body's natural pain pathways, while caerulein is a peptide hormone that can stimulate the release of digestive enzymes and affect smooth muscle contraction.
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Research has shown that some of the peptides found in Kambo can have a range of therapeutic effects, including analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as potential antiviral and anticancer activity. These properties have led to an increasing interest in Kambo as a potential complementary therapy for a variety of health conditions, such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety, addiction, and autoimmune disorders.
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The traditional method of administering Kambo involves burning small holes in the skin and applying the secretion to the wounds. This process is known as "gatekeeping" and is usually performed on the arm or leg. The secretion is absorbed through the lymphatic system and rapidly enters the bloodstream, producing a range of physiological effects. These effects can include increased heart rate and blood pressure, flushing, and sweating, as well as intense emotional and psychological experiences.
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While Kambo has been used safely in traditional medicine for centuries, it is important to note that it is a potent substance and can cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Therefore Kambo should only be administered by a trained practitioner who has experience working with the medicine and is familiar with potential risks and contraindications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or seizures, should not use Kambo. Additionally, some medications, such as antidepressants and blood-thinning agents, may interact with Kambo and should be avoided.
BENEFITS OF KAMBO
Kambo is a traditional Amazonian medicine that has been used for centuries. It is said to have many health benefits and is often used to treat a range of conditions. Some of the benefits of kambo include:
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Relieves pain: Kambo is said to have powerful analgesic properties and may be effective in treating a range of chronic pain conditions, including migraines, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
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Addresses various health conditions: addictions of many kinds including alcohol and drugs, deeply rooted toxins, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, candida, herpes, infections, viruses, migraines, blood circulation and fertility problems.
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Improves mental health: Kambo is believed to have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, and may help to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Detoxifies the body: Kambo is believed to help detoxify the body by stimulating the lymphatic system and promoting the elimination of toxins and impurities.
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Improves focus and clarity: Kambo is said to have a cognitive-enhancing effect, helping to improve focus, concentration, and mental clarity.
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Enhances spiritual awareness: Kambo is believed to help promote spiritual awareness and connection, and may be used as a tool for personal growth and transformation.
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Following a kambo ceremony, many individuals report overcoming procrastination, feelings of being ‘cleansed and unblocked’, breaking negative cycles, patterns, and behaviors. It is important to note that Kambo is very healing and powerful just on its own, and when taken before any sacred medicine ceremony the healing effect is amplified.
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CEREMONY PREPARATION
Preparing for a Kambo ceremony requires careful attention to both physical and mental preparation:
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Dietary restrictions: In the days leading up to the ceremony, it is recommended to follow a light and healthy diet that excludes alcohol, drugs, and caffeine. Foods that are high in fat and sugar should also be avoided. This helps to prepare your body for the Kambo medicine and can reduce the chance of discomfort during the ceremony.
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Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is important to keep your body hydrated, especially during the fasting period before the ceremony. It is recommended to drink at least two liters of water per day, starting three days before the ceremony and also immediately before the ceremony as well as throughout the ceremony.
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Mental and emotional preparation: Kambo can be a powerful experience, so it's essential to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. It can be helpful to set intentions for the ceremony and engage in practices such as meditation or journaling to reflect on your thoughts and feelings.
MEDICINE ART
For ages past, the shamans knew
The secrets of Kambo, pure and true
A secretion to heal, cleanse and purify
Washing away impurities that make us sigh.
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Its potency is not for the faint of heart
As it courses through the veins
But those who endure its fiery touch
Reap benefits beyond all gains.
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No sins to absolve, no guilt to bear
Just a renewed spirit, fresh as air
Kambo's power, an ancient gift
To lift us up, our souls to uplift
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From physical pain to emotional strife
Kambo brings us back to life
It clears the mind, strengthens the heart
And sets our spirit alight.
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Be thankful for nature's cue
And let its magic renew and renew
For Kambo holds the key to our health
and its healing power is beyond all wealth.
- My Warrior Friend by Suya Devi
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RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
If you are interested in learning more about Kambo and its traditional use in Amazonian medicine, below are some suggested materials.
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Reading
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"The Kambo Manifesto: A Guide to the Shamanic Frog Medicine" by Simon Scott.
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"Kambo: Medicine for the Spirit" by Kambo Naturista
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"The Frog Medicine: A User's Guide to Kambo, the Natural Way to Heal" by Jonathan Hammond.
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"Kambo: Nature's Vaccine for the Mind and Body" by Karen Kanya Darke
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"The Emerging Role of Kambo in the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Addiction" by Dennis McKenna and Rafael Lancelotta
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Sapo In My Soul: The Matsés Frog Medicine by Peter Gorman
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The Jungle Detox: Kambo The Ultimate Way to Detox and Cleanse Your Body by Allen Percival
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Documentaries/ Videos
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"Kambo: A Shamanic Healing Journey": This documentary follows the experiences of several people who undergo Kambo treatments in the Amazon jungle. It explores the traditional use of Kambo and the benefits and challenges of using the medicine in a modern context.
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"Kambo: Frog Medicine": This short video provides an introduction to Kambo, including its history, traditional use, and potential benefits. Features interviews with people who have Kambos effects firsthand.
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"Kambo: The Spirit of the Shaman": This documentary explores the use of Kambo. It features interviews with shamans who use Kambo in their healing work and provides insights into the spiritual aspects of the ritual.
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"Kambo: The Tree Frog Medicine": This video provides an overview of Kambo, including its traditional use, potential benefits, and safety precautions. Features footage of a Kambo ceremony and interviews with people who have used the medicine.
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"Kambo Ceremony: Healing with the Amazonian Tree Frog": This video features footage of a Kambo ceremony and provides an overview of the ritual, including its preparation, application, and effects. It also includes interviews with participants who share their experiences and insights.
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