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

Discovering Kambo: Sacred Medicine from the Katukina Tribe

Introduction to Kambo

Kambo, a traditional medicine extracted from the secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor, also known as the Giant Monkey Frog, holds significant healing properties. This sacred medicine, used by the Katukina tribe in Brazil, is revered for its powerful purifying and healing benefits. Through a dedicated partnership with the Katukina tribe, we ensure that our Kambo is sourced directly from a seasoned shaman, preserving the authenticity and potency of this remarkable frog medicine.

The Giant Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor)

Description

The Phyllomedusa bicolor, commonly known as the Giant Monkey Frog, is a prominent green tree frog indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest. It is characterized by a vibrant green back and a white to yellow underside, with distinctive large toe pads aiding in its arboreal lifestyle. These nocturnal creatures can grow up to 10 cm in length and primarily reside high in the rainforest canopy.

Habitat

Thriving in the humid tropical climates of the Amazon Basin, the Giant Monkey Frog is predominantly found in the forests of Brazil, Peru, and neighboring regions. These frogs lead an arboreal life, descending from the trees mainly during the breeding season or when faced with threats.

Traditional Use in Shamanic Tradition

Kambo Collection

The Katukina shamans, guardians of generations-old knowledge, perform the Kambo collection process with utmost respect for both the frogs and the environment. Early in the morning, when the frogs are most active, they are gently collected, their limbs carefully tied, and their secretion is gently scraped off. Post-collection, the frogs are released back into their natural habitat unharmed.

Application of Kambo

Kambo is traditionally applied by making small burns on the skin, typically on the arm or leg, and placing the secretion on these points. This allows the peptides and bioactive compounds to be absorbed into the lymphatic system, facilitating the medicine’s purifying and healing effects.

Healing Properties

Kambo is renowned for its ability to cleanse the body of toxins, bolster the immune system, and enhance physical strength and stamina. It is also used to treat various ailments, including infections, pain, and inflammation. The immediate effects include intense purging, regarded as a process of physical and spiritual cleansing.

The Katukina Tribe

Who Are the Katukina?

The Katukina are an indigenous tribe residing in the Amazon Rainforest, primarily in Acre, northwestern Brazil. They are celebrated for their profound connection to the rainforest and their extensive knowledge of its medicinal plants and animals. The Katukina tribe comprises several subgroups, each with unique dialects and cultural practices.

Lifestyle and Culture

Living in small, dispersed rainforest communities, the Katukina people rely on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance. They cultivate crops such as manioc and bananas, maintaining a lifestyle deeply intertwined with the natural environment. Their culture is rich in spiritual practices, with shamans playing a pivotal role in community life.

Shamanic Practices

Katukina shamans are revered as healers and spiritual leaders, possessing profound knowledge of the rainforest’s medicinal resources. They use this expertise to treat physical and spiritual ailments, with Kambo playing a significant role in their healing practices. It is believed to cleanse the body and mind, providing protection against negative energies.

Partnering with the Katukina Tribe

Ethical Partnership

Our partnership with the Katukina tribe is built on mutual respect and ethical collaboration. By working directly with a shaman from a lineage of Kambo practitioners, we ensure sustainable and respectful sourcing of this sacred medicine. This collaboration supports the Katukina community, preserving their cultural heritage and way of life.

Sustainability and Respect

Sustainable harvesting practices are central to our partnership. Katukina shamans collect Kambo in ways that safeguard the frogs and the rainforest ecosystem. This approach helps maintain Amazonian biodiversity and ensures the long-term availability of this sacred medicine.

Kambo, derived from the Giant Monkey Frog by the Katukina tribe, is a potent traditional medicine deeply rooted in Amazonian shamanic practices. The Katukina’s profound knowledge of the rainforest and its resources has enabled them to use Kambo for generations to cleanse, heal, and protect. Our direct partnership with the Katukina ensures that we honor their traditions and sustainability practices, preserving the cultural and ecological heritage of the Amazon Rainforest and its people.