Hallucinogens 101: Kambo
by MADELINE FERGUSON
Kambo Fast Facts:
Kambo is a toxin extracted from a Giant Leaf Frog
Typically administered through burns on the skin
Has South American spiritual roots
Can cause stomach upset and a euphoric feeling
Not regulated in the United States
Kambo is fairly new to the scene in the United States though it has been used for centuries in South America in ancient cultures. It was used as a cleansing agent and to prepare men for a good hunt.
It is typically used in a Kambo Cleanse ceremony where a shaman or practitioner makes small burns (typically on the shoulders or legs) and puts leaves or cloths with the Kambo onto the burns so that it will quickly absorb into the lymphatic system.
Proponents of Kambo say that it triggers an immune response that can help heal conditions ranging from infertility to cancer and even mental health problems like depression and addiction.
The effects of Kambo can be uncomfortable. People report vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and a host of other symptoms. It is also said to produce an opioid-like euphoric feeling. The effects of Kambo typically only last about 30 minutes.
Research on Kambo is limited, so it is hard to say what conditions it actually treats but there are plenty of anecdotes of people raving about the healing properties of this mysterious frog venom.
“Experts have studied Kambo for years and documented a few of its effects, such as brain cell stimulation and the dilation of blood vessels. But none of the existing research supports the health claims surrounding Kambo,” reads an excerpt from Healthline.
Kambo is legal, but not regulated by the FDA, so if you choose to partake, make sure to do your research and find a reliable source and practitioners, preferably with South American cultural training.
Check out this article on Kambo aiding in a Ketamine treatment.
To learn more about hallucinogens, see our series called hallucinogens 101.
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