Patients pay thousands of dollars for this unresearched—and extremely unpleasant—wellness therapy
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“Kambo was applied, and about 15 minutes later, my hands and arms began to cramp. I couldn't move them, and they felt locked into place. I couldn't move my fingers, and it was like my muscles just turned to stone. Extremely sore and uncomfortable. It hurt so bad I cried.” — Reddit user @f12gg
Partaking in a "kambo ceremony” involves applying a secretion from the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog to the skin. Though rooted in Amazonian tradition, kambo has gained popularity in alternative wellness circles, often at a steep price.[][]
But despite its growing appeal, the practice carries significant medical risks—including severe vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, liver toxicity, and even death.
There’s no clinical evidence supporting its purported benefits, and as more patients explore fringe detox methods, physicians may be increasingly called on to address the aftermath—or field questions about its safety.
What is kambo?
During a kambo ceremony, small burns are made on a participant’s skin, into which the frog's (poisonous) secretion is applied. This secretion, which contains a blend of toxins and powerful peptides, is said to trigger specific physical reactions intended to "cleanse" the body of toxins and enhance the immune system.[]
Proponents of this practice assert that it offers a range of health benefits, including relief from chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and even addiction. But the physical reactions can be highly dangerous.
A lack of scientific backing
The absence of reliable scientific evidence supporting kambo's health benefits is especially concerning. Although some studies suggest the secretion may have antibacterial properties, there is a lack of clinical research to substantiate these claims. No rigorous studies have confirmed the effectiveness or safety of kambo.[]
Nevertheless, kambo ceremonies persist as a supposed remedy for various ailments. By seeking treatment from untrained facilitators, people expose themselves to even greater risks, as kambo lacks regulation or proper oversight.[]
Related: This 'relaxing' therapy has led to panic, hallucinations, and even deathThe price of wellness pursuit
It's surprising that people are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for each kambo session (with most retreat centers indicating that sessions should be repeated monthly, or even multiple times per month), given the lack of supporting evidence as to its safety and effectiveness.
As a result, the practice has become commercialized as a high-end wellness treatment. For those seeking relief from physical or emotional pain, these expensive therapies may seem enticing. However, the money spent on kambo is often better directed toward evidence-based treatments with established safety profiles and proven effectiveness.
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