Disclaimer: Kambo is a potentially harmful substance, and we do not encourage or condone the use of this substance. However, we believe that offering responsible harm reduction information is imperative to keeping people safe. For that reason, this guide is designed to ensure the safety of those who decide to use the substance.

WAIVER

What to Expect

The immediate effects of kambo medicine are intense and unpleasant but short-lived, usually lasting no more than 30-40 minutes.[20] They include a feverish rise in temperature, sweating, shivers, and dizziness as the heart rate becomes rapid-possibly reaching more than 190 beats per minute.[23] The blood pressure may rise or fall dramatically, accompanied by an increased awareness of the veins and arteries. Many people report a tingling or burning sensation like electricity that starts from the points and spreads through the body. Some may also feel a dissociative or drunken high.[27][28]

Overwhelming nausea is generally unavoidable with kambo and purging is likely-either by vomiting, defecation, or both. Other effects include a feeling of pressure in the head, neck, and torso, stomach pain, inflammation of the throat, dry mouth, blurred vision (or temporary blindness), difficulty moving, and numb, swollen lips and tongue. This is the body's physical reaction to acute poisoning.

After these initial effects have worn off and the heart rate has returned to normal, it may be necessary to rest. Some fall into a dreamless sleep, while others make strange animal noises.[6][8]

Your experience may feel enhanced following the kambo purge.[3] 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 be immediate. They also tend to include a consistently elevated mood, increased physical and mental energy, decreased stress, and enhanced focus.

Precautions

Kambo is best taken on an empty stomach, bladder, and bowels. It's advisable to avoid solid food, and especially salt[1], for 8-10 hours beforehand. Alcohol should also be avoided for 24-48 hours before application.[29]

It's a good idea to test a small amount of kambo on the skin before administering it to burns.[29] Many practitioners wait up to a day to gauge negative reactions. It is highly advised not to try this on your own, but to find an experienced kambo-giver or guide, due to the possibility of adverse effects or medical contraindications that could have severe or fatal consequences. At the bare minimum, if self-administering kambo, a sitter is necessary. Also keep in mind that kambo could be habit-forming. 12 applications per year is a good upper limit.[30]