What Is Kambo? A Guide for First-Timers
Kambo has a long history and a growing number of people across Europe seeking it out. If you are curious about kambo but not sure where to start, this guide is written for you.
TL;DR: Kambo is a secretion from an Amazonian frog applied to the skin. It is not psychedelic. The experience is intensely physical and lasts under an hour. Most people describe the days afterward as clearer, lighter, and more energised.
Are you in Stockholm? Visit the kambo ceremony Stockholm page for information on sessions and booking.
What is kambo?
Kambo is a secretion from the Phyllomedusa bicolor, a tree frog that lives high in the Amazon rainforest. It has been used by indigenous communities in Peru and Brazil for centuries, including the Matsés people, who call it Dow-Kiet. In Brazil it is known as Vacina da Floresta, the vaccine of the forest.
Kambo is not psychedelic. You remain fully conscious throughout the entire session with no visions or altered state of consciousness. It is an intensely physical experience that works on the body, not the mind in the way that ayahuasca or psilocybin do.
Why do people seek out kambo?
The most common reasons people book a kambo session are physical detoxification and the feeling of resetting the body, immune system support, increased mental clarity and focus, and a sense of having shed a heaviness that nothing else seemed to shift.
Traditionally kambo was used by warriors and hunters to build stamina and sharpen the senses. Today most people seek it for a deep physical cleanse or a mental and emotional reset. Many describe the effect as a restart, not just of the body but of how they think and feel.
You can read more about the specific effects on the benefits of kambo page.
How does a kambo session work?
Every session begins with an intake conversation and health check. No session proceeds without the practitioner understanding your health situation and your goals.
Small burns are then made on the skin, typically on the arm. These are called gates or points. The dried kambo secretion is mixed with water and applied to the points as small dots. The peptides are absorbed quickly through the lymphatic system.
Within a few minutes the body responds. Most people experience a wave of heat through the face and upper body, an increased heart rate, and then nausea and purging. This is the body's cleansing response and is central to how kambo works. The acute phase lasts 20 to 40 minutes. After that the points are removed, the skin is treated, and you rest.
The full session from start to finish, including preparation and rest time, typically takes two to three hours. Full preparation guidelines are on the preparing for kambo page.
Is kambo safe?
Kambo is safe when administered by a certified practitioner who conducts a thorough health check before every session. It is not suitable for everyone. Kambo is not recommended for people with serious heart conditions, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or psychosis, or during pregnancy. Some medications also require a longer gap before a session.
It is always important to be honest about your health before booking. The full list of contraindications is on the kambo safety page.
Why choose Sacha Warrior for your kambo session?
I am a certified kambo practitioner, trained in traditional Amazonian methods by the Matsés family I worked with in Peru. Every session I hold in Stockholm begins with a thorough preparatory conversation and ends with a follow-up call.
Sessions are held at your home in Stockholm or at a calm location outside the city. You do not need to travel anywhere and can rest at home immediately after.
If you have questions before booking, you are welcome to get in touch directly.
Frequently asked questions
Is kambo the same as ayahuasca?
No. Kambo and ayahuasca are completely different medicines. Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew that produces visions and lasts four to eight hours. Kambo is not psychedelic, produces no visions, and lasts under an hour. You can read more about the differences on the kambo vs plant medicines page.
Does kambo hurt?
Most people feel a quick sharp sting when the small burns are made. That passes quickly. The experience during the session is intense but not painful in the traditional sense. The nausea and purging are part of the cleansing process and pass relatively quickly.
How do I prepare for kambo?
Fast for at least 12 hours before the session, avoid alcohol for 48 hours, and wear loose comfortable clothing. Full preparation instructions are on the preparing for kambo page.
Where do sessions take place in Stockholm?
Most sessions take place at your home. Sessions outside the city can also be arranged. We confirm the location together when booking.