The Herxheimer response is a natural bodily process triggered by a greater prevalence of endotoxins. These substances are released when harmful microorganisms and bacteria are destroyed or die off. As damaging bacteria are destroyed, they release previously contained endotoxins into the bloodstream. This allows the toxins to be transported to the appropriate system and subsequently expelled from the body.

However, rapid destruction of bacteria can cause an influx of endotoxins resulting in greater toxicity. When this occurs, the immune system responds by triggering an acute immune response resulting in inflammation that may be experienced throughout the body. This can cause worsening of current symptoms and the development of new symptoms.

The Herxheimer reaction is frequently seen during antibiotic treatments because antibiotics destroy numerous microorganisms and bacteria. Although the Herxheimer reaction is typically non-lethal, it does frequently cause temporary pain, discomfort, and worsening of symptoms. Symptom severity is often indicative of the level of inflammation triggered by the immune system.

Common symptoms that develop or worsen due to a Herxheimer response include:

• Bloating
• Brain Fog
• Chills
• Cold Sweats
• Constipation
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Joint Pain
• Lethargy
• Muscle Pain
• Nausea
• Skin Irritation
• Sore Throat

Typically, symptoms develop within a couple of hours to several days after treatment. However, depending on the location of the bacteria, symptoms may develop later.

Because of the sudden worsening of symptoms, it is common for patients to feel that the severity of their condition has increased due to the treatment. However, even though treatment causes a temporary increase in symptom intensity due to greater release of toxins the condition ultimately improves. The body responding in this way usually means that the treatment is actually working effectively.

A Herxheimer reaction can last for a week or upwards of multiple months. The duration of the reaction is dependent on individual patient factors. Perhaps the greatest determinant of reaction length is what condition is being treated and its status.*

*this information is cited from this publication. 

Yes, it is legal in the U.S. and most other countries. As long as we continue to practice responsible Kambo facilitation, it will remain legal. This is another reason to seek out trained practitioners with in-person experience. 

The following is a list of contraindications for Kambo: 

• Serious heart problems (i.e., major heart surgery, coronary stent)
• Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
• Currently taking medication for low blood pressure
• History of stroke
• History of brain hemorrhage
• Aneurysm or blood clots
• Serious mental health problems such as bipolar, BPD, and schizophrenia
• Within 6 weeks of chemotherapy
• Currently taking immunosuppressants for organ transplant
• Addison’s Disease
• Epilepsy
• Recovering from a major surgical procedure (must wait a minimum of 6 months before receiving Kambo)
• Recently taken Bufo of 5-MeO-DMT (must wait a minimum of 6 weeks before receiving Kambo)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

No. Kambo is not psychedelic. It is considered an ‘ordeal medicine’ that works on the physical body and, by doing so, provides access to more profound healing on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. 

Tribal Detox practitioners such as myself use ethically and humanely sourced Kambo from a known tribe that has an established relationship with the founders of Tribal Detox. The frogs may sometimes be stressed, but they are not harmed and are not held in captivity for ‘milking.’ They are treated with respect and reverence by the tribe and are always released back into the jungle. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Phyllomedusa Bicolor frog in their endangered species database's ‘Least Concerned’ category. These frogs are sacred and protected within the regions of our trusted sources. 

Kambo is safe when it is facilitated by a skilled and trained practitioner. Nowadays, many Kambo training programs are offered online and worldwide, so it’s crucial to seek out a practitioner who has extensive in-person training and understands the science and mechanics of Kambo to ensure a safe environment. Working with someone who has physically met the frog is good, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they facilitate safely and responsibly. What’s most important is to work with a practitioner committed to putting your safety first–someone who deeply understands how the peptides in kambo work with the body. 

Quite a few studies have been done on Kambo since the first samples were brought into the U.S. by the award-winning investigative journalist Peter Gorman and anthropologist Katharine Milton.

Here are a few studies:  

Antitumor and Angiostatic Activities of the Antimicrobial Peptide Dermaseptin B2

Deltorphins: a family of naturally occurring peptides with high affinity and selectivity for delta opioid binding sites

Medusins: A new class of antimicrobial peptides from the skin secretions of phyllomedusine frogs

Potential therapeutic applications of multifunctional host-defense peptides from frog skin as anti-cancer, anti-viral, immunomodulatory, and anti-diabetic agents
 

Set a clear intention and come into your ceremony with an open mind and heart. You must fast for 7 hours before sitting with Kambo, so it’s essential to hydrate yourself well the day before. Upon booking your ceremony date, more details on preparation will be provided. 

These are very potent eye drops that enhance vision (in the 3D world and spiritual dimensions,) increase energy, provide pain relief, and, with regular use, may permanently improve one’s vision. Sananga is commonly offered before a Kambo session because it can assist you in getting out of your head and back into your body. It also provides a path to entering a meditative state, leading you to feel more calm and relaxed, releasing all anxiety and worries. A typical Sananga experience lasts 10-15 minutes and will leave you feeling ready for Kambo.

Rapé is a sacred shamanic snuff used by multiple tribes of the Amazon for hundreds and possibly thousands of years. Tobacco is used as the base for most rapés because of its protective qualities. In the Amazon, tobacco is revered as a protector and is used to clear out dense energies and dark entities. The ashes of medicinal plants and trees are added to create different rapé blends, each offering different benefits and qualities. Rapé holds a powerful grounding quality, and depending on the blend, it can also support alertness, focus, and connection to spirit by opening the third eye or crown chakra. Rapé is administered by blowing it into the nostrils via a kuripé for self-administration or a tepi if it’s administered by someone else.