Kambo originates in the Amazon, where several Indigenous peoples have traditionally worked with the frog secretion. Traditional uses have included preparation for hunting, increasing stamina or alertness, and clearing what some traditions call panema—a term associated with heaviness, bad luck or negative energy.

A practitioner creates multiple very small superficial points on the outer layer of the skin, often called gates. This is done using a lighter and a piece of incense or reed stick to “burn” or remove the top layer of skin.

A small amount of reconstituted Kambo secretion is then placed onto these points, allowing its compounds to enter through the superficial skin openings.

Kambo tends to come on quickly. People may experience warmth or flushing, an increased heart rate, pressure or pounding sensations in the head/body, nausea, sweating, dizziness, tingling, facial swelling, abdominal sensations and an urge to purge.

Vomiting is common, but everyone's response is different. "Purging" in Kambo practice can also include sweating, bowel movements, shaking, crying or other physical and emotional releases.

People seek Kambo for many different reasons. Some approach it as a traditional cleansing practice, some as part of spiritual or personal-growth work, and others report seeking feelings of clarity, energy, resilience or a personal reset.

Kambo has also been promoted for numerous health conditions, but those claims should not be confused with established medical evidence. Kambo should not be presented as a replacement for medical care or as a proven treatment or cure for disease.

Kambo carries real risks and isn't appropriate for everyone. This is why health screening, medication review, informed consent, hydration protocols and a practitioner who recognizes emergencies are important.

Reported complications include electrolyte disturbances such as hyponatremia, fainting, aspiration and other serious events. Forceful vomiting also carries a very rare but potentially life-threatening risk of esophageal rupture.

Because Kambo produces a significant physiological response. Your medical history, medications, supplements and previous conditions can affect whether participating is appropriate.

Screening isn't a formality, it's one of the most important safety components of the process. Your intake documentation specifically asks about recent prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, recreational drugs, surgery, pregnancy, breastfeeding, immunosuppressants and blood-pressure medications.

Water is commonly used in contemporary Kambo practice because vomiting frequently occurs during the experience. However, more water is not automatically better. Excessive water intake combined with vomiting and electrolyte changes can contribute to dangerous hyponatremia.

You will receive specific hydration and preparation instructions before your session.

Usually there will initially be small marks where the gates were created. They typically heal and fade with time, although some people retain small visible scars or changes in pigmentation. It’s important to let them heal on their own.

Placement affects how visible the marks may be. Thus, we will discuss were you would like your gates/openings placed.

Experiences afterward vary considerably. Some people report feeling energized, clear or calm; others may feel tired and want to rest. Emotional material can sometimes arise as well.

Participants should give themselves time to recover, eat and rehydrate appropriately according to their practitioner's instructions, care for their gates, and pay attention to anything unusual.