about kambo :
the science & the sacred
the wisdom keepers of the amazon have long understood what modern science is now confirming — kambo contains powerful healing compounds that work on multiple levels of human experience. here, we explore how this sacred frog medicine bridges the ancient & contemporary worlds of healing.
for thousands of years, indigenous tribes across the amazon basin — such as the matsés, huni kuin, nukini, & katukina — have worked with kambo as a sacred medicine for to enhance hunting abilities, healing, & to clear negative energies (“panema”).
the medicine comes from phyllomedusa bicolor, the giant green monkey tree frog — a remarkably docile creature that lives high in the rainforest canopy, naturally free from predators & disease. the frog's secretion is collected through a gentle, harmless process that respects the animal's wellbeing & natural cycles.
origin & about
traditional origin stories speak of kampu, a great medicine man of the kaxinawá people, who received this healing gift through a vision while his tribe suffered from illness. forest spirits taught him how to work with the frog's medicine, & after kampu's passing, his essence merged with the frog itself — ensuring this healing would remain available for future generations.
the story of kampu
in our current world of chronic stress, environmental toxins, & disconnection from natural rhythms, kambo offers profound relevance. what once served hunters in preparing for the challenges of rainforest survival now serves modern humans navigating the complexities of contemporary life. the medicine's ability to clear physical toxins, reset emotional patterns, & restore energetic vitality addresses the unique healing needs of this moment while maintaining its sacred essence.
modern relevance
the science
kambo's powerful effects stem from nine primary bioactive peptides that interact with human physiology in remarkable ways. these naturally occurring compounds work synergistically to support the body's innate healing mechanisms
across multiple systems.
the 9 primary peptides
phyllocaerulein: influences digestive processes & may support detoxification
phyllokinin: supports circulation & vascular function
phyllomedusin: affects smooth muscle & gastrointestinal activity
phyllolitorin: works with neurotransmitter pathways
dermorphin: natural opioid peptide that may influence pain perception & mood
deltorphin: potent opioid-like compound affecting pain & emotional states
adenoregulin: supports antimicrobial activity & immune system function
tryptophyllins: may influence neurological & antimicrobial functions
dermaseptin: additional peptide supporting immune & antimicrobial activity
indigenous wisdom describes kambo as a medicine that "organizes the body" & "removes panema" (negative energy or spiritual pollution). modern research suggests these traditional insights align with measurable physiological effects — the peptides appear to support natural detoxification processes, immune function, & neurochemical balance.