MEDPAGE TODAY – A new wellness ritual is going viral. But at what cost to health and life?
Originally practiced by Indigenous tribes of the Amazon, the Kambo ritual involves applying the toxic secretion of the giant monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), collected directly from its skin, onto fresh burn marks to induce a rapid and intense purge.
Traditionally believed to cleanse the body of misfortune and enhance physical endurance or hunting ability, the practice has deep cultural and spiritual roots among groups such as the Kaxinawá and Matsés.
Over the past two decades, however, Kambo has spread far beyond its Amazonian context. Promoted within neo-shamanic circles and alternative wellness communities, it is now commonly marketed in urban centers across Brazil, North America, Europe, and Australia.
Online social platforms have contributed significantly to this spread, portraying the ritual as a spiritual reset or detox solution for modern life’s ills. In major cities, ceremonies are often conducted in private apartments or wellness studios, frequently by individuals with no medical or Indigenous training.
The rise of Kambo in non-traditional settings has prompted concerns about cultural appropriation, animal cruelty, and public health risks.
Mounting evidence reveals a disturbing trend of hospitalizations, cases of severe complications, and even sudden deaths linked to its unregulated use.
Regulatory responses vary: while Brazil banned the commercial sale and advertising of Kambo in 2016, and Australia has classified it as a Schedule 10 poison, most countries still lack formal regulation.
This legal vacuum allows the substance to circulate, often sold online without warnings or quality control.
As the practice continues to gain traction, especially among individuals with chronic illnesses or mental health challenges, the lack of oversight increases the risk of misuse, delayed emergency care, and fatal outcomes …
