Kambo

What is Kambo?

Kambo is a secretion of the giant monkey frog (scientifically known as Phyllomedusa bicolor) applied to small skin burns in the context of a ceremonial “kambo cleanse”. The practice originated among Indigenous groups of the Amazon, who engage in it to “cure or prevent illness, to expel ‘panema’ (bad spirit), or even…to induce…abortion.”

The effects of kambo are described as similar to that of a fever, with users commonly experiencing increased heart rate, sweating, nausea, and even vomiting following application.

Kambo has in recent years become a popular alternative medicine treatment, with many people attesting to cleanses providing various physical, mental, and/or spiritual benefits.

Is Kambo Legal in Canada?

Kambo’s legal status in Canada is unclear. Kambo ceremonies are performed openly and practitioners operate publicly. However, the substance likely qualifies as a “drug” under the Food and Drugs Act, in which case, personal possession would be legal but unauthorized distribution for human or animal use would be illegal.

The chemical peptides contained within kambo, most notably dermorphin and deltorphin, do not appear to be scheduled under Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Medical or Therapeutic Use?

Anecdotally and traditionally, many claim to benefit greatly from kambo, with reports abounding that it helps relieve “symptoms of pain…autoimmune diseases, skin disease…cancer…substance abuse and depression.” No clinical evidence appears to support such claims at this time. There is, however, some interest in the antitumor potential of kambo peptide dermaseptin.

Conversely, the potentially harmful effects of kambo are well documented, and led Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration to ban the substance last year as a poison “of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use.”