Is Kambo a Poison or a Venom? A Dive into the Nature of this Remarkable Frog Medicine

As you embark on your healing journey, you may come across various traditional medicines that are gaining ground in Western societies. One of these, gaining popularity for its reputed healing properties, is Kambo. But there is often confusion surrounding this potent natural substance. Is Kambo a poison or a venom? In this article, we delve into this intriguing question, uncovering the true nature of Kambo, its historical usage, and its interaction with the human body.

Kambo, also known as frog medicine, is a secretion from the Phyllomedusa bicolor or the Giant Monkey Tree Frog native to the Amazon rainforest. These frogs produce a latex-like substance on their back when under threat. The substance, deemed poisonous to predators like snakes, serves as a crucial survival mechanism in the wild.

Before proceeding, it’s essential to distinguish between poison and venom. Though often used interchangeably, these terms have different implications. A poison is a substance that causes harm if eaten, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Venom, on the other hand, is a specialized type of poison that is injected, often through a bite or sting.

Kambo secretion, in essence, acts as a poison to certain animals like snakes when ingested. But what happens when humans interact with this substance?

For humans, Kambo is neither a poison nor a venom. Instead, it serves as a powerful healing catalyst. Applied through superficial burns or ‘gates’ on the skin, Kambo enters our lymphatic system, triggering a profound cleansing response in the body.

The effects of Kambo are attributed to the unique cocktail of bioactive peptides it contains. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, which perform a variety of functions in the body. These nine specific peptides in Kambo interact with our system in a unique way, causing what’s often referred to as a ‘purge’.

The Kambo secretion contains nine bioactive peptides that are well-received by the human body and induce a variety of beneficial effects. These peptides include:

Dermaseptin B2: Known scientifically to have powerful antimicrobial effects, especially against bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Anecdotally, it’s believed to contribute to the overall cleansing effect of Kambo.

Dermorphin: Has a powerful effect on opioid receptors, making it about 30-40 times more potent than morphine for pain relief. It may also provide a sense of calm or tranquility after the initial purge.

Deltorphin: Similar to Dermorphin, this peptide interacts with opioid receptors and has potent analgesic effects. It’s believed to contribute to the pain relief experienced during and after a Kambo ceremony.

Phyllomedusin: This peptide interacts with the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the characteristic purge that Kambo is known for. It’s thought to help rid the body of harmful toxins.

Phyllokinin: Known to lower blood pressure, this peptide is likely responsible for the temporary drop in blood pressure experienced during a Kambo ceremony.

Phyllocaerulein: Stimulates the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, which can increase endurance, focus, and pain tolerance. Anecdotally, it may also enhance mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Adenoregulin: Works on the adenosine receptors, which may help regulate sleep and lessen feelings of fatigue. Some anecdotal reports suggest this peptide may have a role in enhancing mental clarity.

Tryptophyllins: These peptides have shown potential antiviral properties in scientific studies. Anecdotally, it’s believed they may contribute to the overall immune-boosting effect of Kambo.

Sauvagine: Stimulates the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, leading to an increase in sensory perception and stamina. It is also known to induce a state of alertness and increased heart rate.

These peptides work in harmony to create the Kambo experience and the profound healing effects often reported by participants.

It’s important to note, however, that while each of these peptides has been studied to some extent, the overall effects of Kambo are not fully understood and more research is needed to fully uncover its potential benefits and mechanisms of action.

A Kambo ceremony typically starts with the creation of ‘gates’ or small superficial burns on the skin, where the Kambo is applied. The process often induces a powerful purge, which may involve temporary symptoms such as increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, crying, nasal discharge, shaking, tremors, bottom purge (diarrhea) and emotional

While the terms ‘poison’ and ‘venom’ may surface in discussions around Kambo, it’s important to remember that these are relative to the species interacting with the substance. When it comes to humans, Kambo is neither a poison nor a venom but a healing tool that the human body recognizes, integrates and benefits from.

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Author
Anthony Collova
Kambo Coach