Kambo (Phyllomedusa bicolor) – Kambo from Brazil with Burning Stick

Kambo: Sacred Medicine from the Katukina Tribe

Introduction to Kambo:

Kambo is a traditional medicine derived from the secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor, also known as the Giant Monkey Frog. This powerful medicine is used by the Katukina tribe in Brazil for its potent purifying and healing properties. Our partnership with the Katukina tribe ensures that we receive Kambo directly from a shaman with a long lineage of expertise in working with this sacred frog medicine.

The Giant Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor)

Description:

Phyllomedusa bicolor, commonly referred to as the Giant Monkey Frog, is a large, green tree frog native to the Amazon Rainforest. The frog is distinguished by its bright green back and white to yellow underside, with notable large toe pads that aid in its arboreal lifestyle. Adult frogs can reach up to 10 cm in length and are predominantly nocturnal, residing high in the rainforest canopy.

Habitat:
The Giant Monkey Frog thrives in the humid, tropical climates of the Amazon Basin. It is most commonly found in the forests of Brazil, Peru, and the surrounding regions. These frogs are arboreal, spending most of their lives in the trees, coming down only during the breeding season or when threatened.

Traditional Use in Shamanic Tradition

Kambo Collection:

The process of collecting Kambo is performed with great respect and care for the frog and the environment. The Katukina shamans, who have inherited this knowledge through generations, gently collect the frogs early in the morning when they are most active. The frogs are carefully tied by their limbs and the secretion is gently scraped off their skin. After collection, the frogs are released back into their habitat unharmed.

Application of Kambo:

Kambo is traditionally used for its purifying and healing properties. The application process involves creating small burns on the surface of the skin, typically on the arm or leg, and applying the secretion directly onto these points. This method allows the peptides and bioactive compounds in the secretion to be absorbed into the lymphatic system.

Healing Properties:

Kambo is believed to cleanse the body of toxins, boost the immune system, and increase physical strength and stamina. It is also used to treat a variety of ailments, including infections, pain, and inflammation. The immediate effects of Kambo include intense purging, which is considered a physical and spiritual cleansing process.

The Katukina Tribe

Who Are the Katukina?

The Katukina are an indigenous tribe living in the Amazon Rainforest, primarily in the state of Acre in northwestern Brazil. They are known for their deep connection to the rainforest and their extensive knowledge of its medicinal plants and animals. The Katukina are composed of several subgroups, each with their own dialects and cultural practices.

Lifestyle and Culture:

The Katukina people live in small, dispersed communities within the rainforest. Their way of life is closely tied to the natural environment, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance. They cultivate crops such as manioc, bananas, and other native plants. The Katukina culture is rich in spiritual practices, with shamans playing a central role in community life.

Shamanic Practices:

Shamans in the Katukina tribe are revered as healers and spiritual leaders. They possess a profound understanding of the rainforest’s medicinal resources and use this knowledge to treat physical and spiritual ailments. The use of Kambo is a significant aspect of their healing practices, believed to cleanse the body and mind, and to protect against negative energies.

Partnering with the Katukina Tribe

Ethical Partnership:

Our partnership with the Katukina tribe is founded on mutual respect and ethical collaboration. By working directly with a shaman from a long lineage of Kambo practitioners, we ensure that the medicine is sourced sustainably and with respect for traditional practices. This partnership not only provides us with authentic Kambo but also supports the Katukina community, preserving their cultural heritage and way of life.

Sustainability and Respect:

Sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to our partnership. The Katukina shamans collect Kambo in a manner that ensures the well-being of the frogs and the preservation of the rainforest ecosystem. This sustainable approach helps maintain the biodiversity of the Amazon and supports the long-term availability of this sacred medicine.

Conclusion

Kambo, sourced from the Giant Monkey Frog by the Katukina tribe, is a potent traditional medicine with deep roots in Amazonian shamanic practices. The Katukina, with their profound knowledge of the rainforest and its resources, have used Kambo for generations to cleanse, heal, and protect. Our direct partnership with the Katukina ensures that we receive Kambo in its purest form, honoring the traditions and sustainability practices of this remarkable indigenous community. By supporting these practices, we help preserve the cultural and ecological heritage of the Amazon Rainforest and its people.