KAMBO / SAPO

 KAMBO / SAPO

Kambo points, filled with “”Dragon’s Blood” (healing tree sap)

Medicine Name : KAMBO

What Is Kambo ?

Kambo, or Sapo (or 'toad'), is the venomous secretion of Phyllomedusa bicolor (the giant leaf frog or monkey frog), it is a bright green tree frog native to the Amazon basin.  Sapo can be found in the rainforest regions of northern Brazil, eastern Peru, southeastern Columbia, and parts of Venezuela, Bolivia, and the Guianas.

These giant monkey frogs have a distinctive sound, or 'song', that can be followed to collect them at night.  The captive specimens are tied by the legs and harmlessly stressed to induce the secretion from its skin.  The secretion, or venom, is a waxy substance scraped onto wooden splinters from the back and legs of the frogs.  Once the secretion is dried, Kambo can be stored for upwards to a year without loosing its potency.  For use, it is mixed with water, or saliva, and directly applied to specially made skin burns on the superficial layer of the skin. 

"Venoms are the source of 20 medications (on the market) for heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and HIV pain!” - Dr. Zoltan Takacs, Scientist

Kambo is greatly known in the Amazon as "the vaccine of the forrest" and is one of the most powerful, natural antibiotics and anesthetics found in the world.  It's one of the strongest ways to empower our immune systems and has a wide range of traditional and potential therapeutic applications, both medical and psycho-spiritual.  

Active Ingredients 

Kambo contains a number of active compounds (which are all peptides):

+ Dermorphin - a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist

+ Deltorphin - a very potent delta-opioid receptor agonist

+ Phyllomedusin - a tachykinin which affects the salivary glands, tear ducts, intestines, and bowels;it contracts the smooth muscles, and contributes to violent purging

+ Phyllokinin (and phyllomedusin) - potent blood vessel dilators that also increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier

+ Phyllocaerulein - which stimulates the adrenal cortex and the pituitary gland, causes a fall in blood pressure, causes tachycardia, and has a potential action on the gastrointestinal smooth muscle, and stimulates gastric, biliary and pancreatic secretions

+ Sauvagine - which stimulates the adrenal cortex, causes long-lasting fall in blood pressure, and causes intense tachycardia

+ Dermaseptin - a potent antimicrobial for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and antiviral for herpes simplex virus

There is scientific research that has identified the peptides dermorphin and deltorphin in kambo as potent opioid peptides.  Opioids are pain killers and opioid peptides bind to receptors on human cells which trigger a pain masking response.  Dermorphin and deltorphin are found to be amazingly 4000 times stronger than morphine and 40 times stronger than beta-endorphins which is the body's natural pain killer. 

History of Kambo

Supposedly, Kambo is named after the legendary pajè (or medicine man) Kampu.  This ancestral shaman is said to have learned about the medicine from a forest spirit at a moment of having exhausted all other means to heal his sickly tribe.  According to the Kaxinawa, the spirit of Kampu lives on in the giant monkey frog, continuing to heal who seek it. 

"Kambo circulates in the heart.  When we take Kambo, it makes the heart move accurately so that things flow, bringing good things to the person.  It's as if there was a cloud on the person, preventing the good things to come; then, when they take Kambo, it becomes a green light which opens the way, making things easier." - Kaxinawa Kambo shaman

Kambo was rediscovered in the 1980s by anthropologist Katharine Milton and journalist Peter Gorman - both of whom spent time living with the Matses/Mayoruna of northern Peru/southern Brazil.  They supplied kambo samples to biochemists Vittorio Erspamer and John Daly, who analyzed the secretion's peptide content and they both observed great medical potential.  Pharmaceutical companies have made efforts to synthesis and patent kambo peptides, but have struggled to develop medicines.  Later in 2004, the Brazilian government prohibited all advertising of kambo's therapeutic or medical benefits, in hopes of effectively shutting down the new urban applicators.  In part, this was a legal response to the Katukina's demand to protect their intellectual property. 

Current Use

International awareness of kambo continues to grow, having peaked around the mid-2000s. Today, Western-trained applicators hold ceremonies all over the world, although there are concerns within the kambo community that commercial supply chains might exploit indigenous tribes and can also pose a threat to Phyllomedusa bicolor populations in the wild. 

Kambo is known as a "warrior medicine" or a 'fire medicine', so large quantities of liquid is consumed beforehand to prevent dehydration, roughly two liters of water, 3-5 liters of fermented corn caicuma, or diluted papaya juice.  Kambo medicine is best taken on an empty stomach, bladder, and bowels.  It is advised to avoid solid food, especially any salts, for 8-10 hours beforehand.  Drinking alcohol also should be avoided for 24-48 hours before application.

The normal dosage is roughly 10mg kambo per each point or "gate" in the skin, up to a maximum of 100mg per daily administration.  The number of points is diagnosed depending on body size, experience, reasons for application (what ails you), and also the practitioners traditions.  

To prepare the kambo medicine, the dried resin is combined with a little water or saliva to form a paste and is then dividid into dots or points for application.  Small points (roughly 1/8" in diameter) are burned through the top layer (superficial layer) of the skin with a smoldering piece of titmice vine (Heteropsis flexuosa), a twig.  Once the skin has been removed from the burns - as painless as from a blister - the kambo medicine is then applied over the points or "gates".  Aided by kambo's vasodiliating peptides and pro-inflammatory agents, the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream within seconds. Now, Kambo does leave scars, although they fade over time, they won't ever disappear completely.  The majority of kambo patients show their kambo scars proudly as to have surviving "the warrior medicine". Aftercare balms such as sangre de drago (dragons blood, healing tree sap) are administered to help healing and improve the scars appearance.  

The immediate effects of the kambo medicine are very intense and unpleasant -but short-lived, usually lasting no more than 30-40 minutes.  The effects include a feverish rise in temperature, sweating, shivers, dizziness and elevated heart rate - possibly reaching more than 190 beats per minute.  The blood pressure may rise or fall dramatically, accompanied by an increased awareness of the veins and arteries. Many people have reported a tingling or burning sensation, that starts from the points and spreads throughout the body. In my kambo experience I felt as if my blood was on fire, or like lightening was in my veins.  It was a rush, a painful but freeing rush, and I felt more alive than I had felt in a very long time.  My face felt like it was changing, visions of my intentions in my mind, my heart raced feeling as if I was pumping out energy for something bigger than myself, and oddly, I wasn't afraid - I was focused. It is said in your kambo experience that at first administration, you are to sit straight up in acceptance to the power of the medicine, so that was exactly what I did.   

You will have an overwhelming feeling of nausea, it's unavoidable, with kambo and purging is apart of the ceremonial process when using this medicine - either vomiting, defecation, or both are known to occur.  Other effects include a feeling of pressure in the head, neck, torso, stomach pain, inflammation of the throat, dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty moving, and numb, sullen lips and tongue.  As I said, "my face felt like it was changing" it felt like it was changing into a frog face.

After the heart rate has returned to normal and the initial effects have worn off, it is very necessary to rest and eat healthy foods - fruits and vegetables.  Following the kambo purge, your life and experiences may feel enhanced.  You may feel great physical strength, sharpened senses, and heightened mental alertness.  Desirable after-effects like these may take a day to materialize or they could also be immediate. They also are known to include a consistently elevated mood, increased physical and mental energy, decreased stress levels, and enhanced focus and brain function. 

Medical Benefits :

Kambo, made up of many peptides (listed earlier) that are beneficial to the human body.  Some of these peptides travel through the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the endocrine glands of the brain, resulting in an immune-boosting effect and a deep cleanse of the body.  

• has antibiotic properties and strengthens the immune system, while also physically destroying pathogenic microorganisms.  

- is traditionally known to be anti-inflammatory, relieve joint pain, to heal eyesight, and to ease pain.  

- enters the lymphatic system, waking up the body's natural ability to heal itself.  

Kambo peptides, and their effects, are reported to cover a wide range of potential medical uses : 

- treatment of brain diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's)

- depression

- migraines

- blood circulation problems

- vascular insufficiency

- organ diseases

- skin and eye issues

- cancer

- fertility problems in women

- AIDS

- candida

- hepatitis

- herpes

- chronic pain

- diabetes

- rheumatism

- arthritis

...and more.  

Short-term Effects

- enhanced resistance to tiredness, hunger, and thirst

- enhanced state of alertness

- capacity to focus and still the mind

Long-term Effects

- strengthens and empower the immune system

- help overcome fatigue

- increase overall well-being

People that take the vaccine very rarely get sick and have lots of energy.  After people do Kambo, they often see massive energetic shifts in their lives, from dramatic improvements to their physical health, to reduction in depression and addictions, to relief from chronic pain and major illnesses. 

One of kambo's most exciting potential medical applications, as was listed above, is the treatment of cancer.  Dermaseptin B2 has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth by more than 90%.  This peptide penetrates cells and works by necrosis (active destruction) and not apoptosis (normal or programmed cell death). 

The peptides Dermaseptins, including adenoregulin, are powerful antibiotics.  Found to be rapidly and irreversibly effective against a range of parasitic microorganisms, they are also non-toxic to mammalian cells.  Amoung the pathogens killed by dermaseptin B2 are the filamentous fungi that opportunistically infect AIDS patients. There is anecdotal evidence that supports kambo's use in depression treatment, anxiety, addiction and - it may be useful in the development of treatments for Alzheimer's disease, strokes, and the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).  

Deltorphins and dermorphin present in the kambo medicine have analgesic effects comparable to the body's own pain response of beta-endorphin release.  They are also stronger than morphine without the same level of tolerance potential and withdrawal symptoms.  

CEREMONIAL TRADITIONS 

Kambo is a medicine frequently offered alongside other ceremonial medicines featured in this book, such as ayahuasca, Ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, and other plant medicines for holistic treatment.  According to its practitioners, the application "resets" the body, not only by strengthening the immune system but also through distinct psycho-spiritual benefits.  

Panema, an Arawak term used by the Ashaninka and others, is the description of a negative energy that gathers over time.  Traditionally visualized as a kind of dense grey cloud or aura, panema is blamed for bad luck, depression, laziness, irritation, and other adverse states.  The dissipation of panema is framed in terms of "clearing the pain body", "realigning the chakras", or reorganizing personal psychology.  The purge itself may be felt as an expulsion of bad thoughts, habits, negative personality traits, or persistent life problems. The clearing of this cloud is vital for indigenous groups that depend on hunting and community coherence and for many tribes, kambo serves this purpose. 

With its energetic clearing effect, Kambo also has potent physical benefits.  Kambo is used traditional shamanic medicine to gain strength, maintain or regain health, and to provide immunity.  The tribes, often times, apply it before hunting in order to increase strength, improve their vision and lend the hunters a ability to locate prey.  It is also used to cleanse the body of just about any illness, such as headaches, allergies, thyroid problems, arthritis, infections, addiction to pharmaceuticals, drugs, nicotine, alcohol, and so on. The tribe members/hunters also use it for rainforest specific issues, such as malaria and snake and spider bites.

A transformational tool, Kambo is known to increase courage, compassion, emotional stability, and personal sovereignty.  Most patients claim feelings of more "real" or "solid" after a kambo application - less in their heads and more in their bodies.  Anxiety, anger, and frustration also tend to clear.  Kambo may also help to overcome a fear of dying.  According to a few practitioners, terminally ill patients have claimed to see "the other side" during their experience, returning with a newfound serenity about death.  

LEGALITY :

Kambo is legal in the United States and most, if not all, other countries.

KAMBO Is NOT For You :

Kambo has no known detrimental side effects, when it is responsibly administered, it is completely safe.  Although, there are some people who should NOT take it; generally it is NOT for you if you have, or have had in the past, any of the following conditions :

- stroke

- heart bypass surgery

- enlarged heart

- implant cardioverter defibrillators

- congestive heart disease

- excess fluid in the heart sack

- heart valve replacement surgery 

- organ transplant

- aneurism

- active ulcers

- Addison's disease

- Ehlers Danios Syndrome

- have had a psychotic episode in the past 5 years

- Crohn's Disease/Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

- brain hemorrhage

- blood clots

- Epilepsy

- serious mental health conditions (excluding depression, PTSD and anxiety)

- lack the mental capacity to decide to take Kambo

- seriously low blood pressure that requires medication

- anyone recovering from a major surgical procedure

- pregnant or breastfeeding women with babies under 1-year old

- within 21 days of giving birth

- under 18 years of age

- chemotherapy or radiation treatments of less than 6 weeks prior or 6 weeks after

MY EXPERIENCE

These last three years have been a lot of growth experiences for myself.  I was starting my edible company in Las Vegas and had the universe throw many challenging obstacles my way.  I was overwhelmed, lost, stresses to the ceilings, hoping to be a great leader and boss.  Educating my team whom share the same passions to be great. And in the process of building a team and a business, I suffered many set backs.  I got into a terrible car accident where I was sandwiched in between two cars on the highway.  I was in a neck brace for six weeks, in so much pain and unable to wash the back of my head.  My health issues continued with my arthritis and carpel tunnel becoming so damaging that I was unable to perform my job the way I used to in the kitchen.  My business had set backs, i lost employees, my business, and in turn felt lost myself and felt like a failure.  I was, and still am, coping with my sisters death, trying to be a good aunt and help in raising her son, my nephew and heart Christopher, and in general missing my family as they are all back home in Virginia.  So, with all these thoughts clouding my vision and preventing me from becoming the best version of myself for my family, team and loved ones...I got the call to experience an out of the ordinary Amazonian known medicine, Kambo. 

I was fortunate to have met two amazing individuals, Justin and Tishara, through a long time friend of mine in Las Vegas.  These two spirits operated a Holistic Healing rehab facility in Las Vegas Nevada known as Holistic House Las Vegas.  The woman, Tishara, is a Holy Fire Reiki Master, Herbalist, Detox Specialist, and a Certified Advanced Kambo Practitioner with the International Association of Kambo Practitioners (IAKP.org).  She has been studying holistic natural health for over 23 years, so (naturally, me coming to her from cannabis and psilocybin) her and I clicked and often "nerd out" on plants, fungi, cannabis, and other worldly medicines.  After learning more about Tishara and learning of her accomplishments I was eager to learn more about Kambo.  And one history of kambo that she first mentioned was, according to tribes, when nothing is going right in your life, it is the right moment to take Kambo. So, on that note, I began my research and decided to schedule my first Kambo ceremony with Tishara.

Tishara, Certified Advanced Kambo Practitioner in Brazil with Sapo

FOLLOW Tishara : KAMBO LOVE Facebook Page

I would never recommend any plant medicine or medicine that I have not personally consumed and experienced and Kambo is one that I would recommend to anyone who seeks this type of healing. Kambo, for me, I found to be exactly what I needed especially at that period of time in my life.  In fact, it changed me and my life forever in the best of ways.  

@EdibleDee Kambo scars, proud 

Oh...and by the way, I made the possibly 'not so wise' decision of telling my parents about this latest medicine I decided to experience...

Note : Expect this or worse when disclosing this medicine to family and friends.

Now I as mentioned in the previous sections, I consumed these medicines, thus far, in the ceremonial series in preparation for Ayahuasca.  Which brings us to our next medicine, Aya.