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.
How kambo is used
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.
Risks of using kambo
The symptoms after kambo has been applied can be strong and immediate, and include:
Anyone using kambo and experiencing these symptoms needs urgent medical assistance. Call triple zero (000) 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 is banned in Australia
Kambo was assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to be a danger to human health and its supply and use in Australia was banned on 1 October 2021.
If you are thinking of using any complementary medicines, discuss the possible benefits and harms with your healthcare professionals before you start taking them.
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