Kambo: The Frog Venom Trend Captivating Suburban Wellness Enthusiasts

Beware: After tuning into VICE's latest documentary on kambo, you might find yourself spotting frogs everywhere. This peculiar phenomenon isn’t just whimsical; for some, it’s a compelling sign to engage with the substance derived from the giant monkey frog.

Kambo enthusiasts believe that applying this venom to their skin and then purging their systems can lead to a range of health benefits, although these claims lack clinical backing. What’s driving suburbanites to embrace these ceremonies, despite associated risks?

Amber Rawlings has met with people across the UK who gather in various locales—from parks to private apartments—to take part in kambo rituals. These gatherings often feature self-proclaimed shamans who source the venom from Indigenous communities in the Amazon.

While kambo is not classified as illegal in the UK, it also isn’t recognized as a medical treatment. Alarmingly, the practices surrounding it have resulted in several reported fatalities, including a tragic incident this year involving a 40-year-old man.

Amber's curiosity about kambo was piqued while interviewing individuals who facilitate these ceremonies. While not a psychedelic, users describe profound psychological experiences with the substance.

Reflecting on her exploration of kambo for the documentary, Amber states, “Psychedelics do have their perks, but there's a fine line. It’s amusing when a regular guy plays the role of a shaman, donning a cloak in a space that reeks of spiritual vibes—perhaps courtesy of Urban Outfitters.”

The demographic partaking in kambo ranges from skeptics of conventional medicine to wellness fans convinced of its healing powers. “There's a wide spectrum,” Amber elaborates. “Some view these experiences as spiritual journeys, while others lean heavily into the belief that kambo is the cure-all.”

However, she remains skeptical about the sincerity of some spiritual claims: “If you’re ill, there’s definitely a euphoric aspect after the purging. Combine that with fasting and a touch of sage-burning atmosphere, and it could feel quite transcendent—especially in a jungle setting.”

Watching participants undergo these rituals raised questions for Amber about her own feelings towards the vomit-inducing experience. “I’ve had my fair share of nights where I’ve been ill. It’s a different kind of vomit; it's just water they’ve drunk, not last night's fast food.”

She recounts an emotional moment where one participant broke down during the ceremony, highlighting the raw human experience involved: “It was powerful; I nearly teared up myself. Perhaps my mom should try kambo.”

As to why kambo is surging in popularity, Amber points to a growing disillusionment with traditional healthcare and the pervasive power of social media. The alluring narratives constructed online often overshadow the lack of regulated claims surrounding its supposed benefits. “In a world where folks feel disconnected from conventional medicine, it’s easy to see why they turn to kambo as a supposed remedy,” she observes.

“It’s not like seeing someone chunder up a McDonald’s”

Some might shrug off the trend, pondering, “Why not try kambo amid everything going wrong?” As for regulations, Amber suggests there's merit to discussing oversight in the field. “The individuals I encountered seemed genuine. Critics might brand them as grifters, but when you listen to how kambo has impacted their lives, it’s hard to deny the positive aspects.”

Despite the experience she documented, Amber doesn’t feel compelled to partake herself: “I’m okay not trying it. Those who want to explore kambo can go ahead, but I’m not up for another round of being ill.”

When asked about the so-called “kambo glow,” Amber reflects, “Participants often look ashen during rituals, only to brighten shortly after. Maybe there’s something to that, like a sauna session—it’s not about spirituality for me, just a curiosity about the effects.”

Amber humorously concludes that since filming, she hasn’t spotted any frogs around. “I doubt I will, but if I do, maybe I’ll find myself in a peculiar place, purging my ‘demons.’”

Follow Amber on Instagram @amberawlings

The article on kambo originally appeared in VICE.