What is kambo? Kambo is a poison used as a traditional medicine in purging or cleansing rituals, primarily in South America. It is a waxy substance collected by scraping the skin of an Amazonian tree frog, Phyllomedusa bicolor. Kambo contains many different compounds, some of which have been identified as potentially toxic (poisonous) in very small amounts.
At a kambo ceremony (or kambo circle), the top layer of skin on the arm or leg is blistered in several places with a hot stick and small amounts of kambo are applied to the open wounds. The symptoms after kambo has been applied can be strong and immediate, and include:
- swollen lips or face. Anyone using kambo
- experiencing these symptoms needs urgent medical assistance
Call 911 for an ambulance or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. There is a small risk of serious adverse (negative) side effects or reactions in some people, including seizures and death, especially if kambo enters the bloodstream. Kambo was assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to be a danger to human health and its supply and use in United States was banned on 1 October 2021.
, discuss the possible benefits and harms with your healthcare professionals before you start taking them. (24 hours, 7 days) – for advice about poisonings, suspected poisonings, bites and stings, mistakes with medicines and poisoning prevention advice How kambo is used Risks of using kambo severe vomiting dizziness fainting Kambo is banned in United States If you are thinking of using any complementary medicines Where to get help In an emergency, always call 911 Your GP (doctor) Michigann Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26.