The Dangers of Working with Untrained Kambo Practitioners: Hyponatremia, Contraindications and more.

Kambo, offers profound physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits when administered correctly. However, as its popularity grows, so does the number of untrained practitioners offering ceremonies without the knowledge or skills to ensure safety. A concerning trend is the improper integration of Kambo into other plant medicine ceremonies, such as administering Kambo on the same day as Bufo or the  morning after an Ayahuasca ceremony without proper care or preparation.

This article explores the dangers of working with untrained practitioners, focusing on the most concerning risk of hyponatremia and mismanaged contraindications.

Hyponatremia and Improper Hydration Practices

Hyponatremia, a condition caused by abnormally low sodium levels in the blood, is one of the most significant dangers associated with improperly administered Kambo. This condition arises when excessive water consumption dilutes the body’s electrolytes, disrupting critical cellular functions.

How Untrained Practitioners Contribute to Hyponatremia risk:

1. Overhydration Protocols: Some untrained practitioners encourage participants to drink large quantities of water before or during a Kambo ceremony, believing it enhances the purgative effects. This can overwhelm the body’s natural balance.

2. Lack of Electrolyte Monitoring: A trained practitioner understands the importance of electrolyte balance, especially after intense purging from Kambo or other medicines like Ayahuasca.

Those receiving Kambo should ALWAYS have eaten a substantial meal the day before a treatment and strictly avoided activities that increase excessive perspiration for a minimum of 48hrs.

3. Failure to Address Symptoms: Early signs of hyponatremia, such as confusion, fatigue, or nausea, often go unnoticed by untrained facilitators, leading to severe complications like brain swelling or seizures if left untreated.

The Role of Contraindications in Kambo Safety

Screening for contraindications is a cornerstone of safe Kambo administration. Untrained practitioners may skip this essential step, exposing participants to unnecessary risks.

Common Contraindications to Kambo:

• Heart Conditions: Kambo’s temporary effects on heart rate and blood pressure make it unsuitable for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Kambo is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks to both the mother and child.

• Mental Health Conditions: People with severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, may experience exacerbated symptoms.

• Chronic Illnesses: Conditions such as epilepsy,

low blood pressure + more require careful assessment—or complete avoidance—of Kambo.

Trained practitioners conduct thorough health assessments before administering Kambo, ensuring that all participants are suitable candidates. Untrained facilitators may neglect these crucial checks, putting participants at unnecessary risk.

Dangerous Practices: Kambo After Ayahuasca Ceremonies

One of the most troubling trends is the incorporation of Kambo into plant medicine retreats without proper understanding of the body’s needs. It has become increasingly common for untrained Ayahuasca facilitators to offer Kambo ceremonies the morning after an Ayahuasca session—a practice that can be extremely dangerous if not handled correctly.

Why This Practice Is Risky:

1. Electrolyte Depletion Post-Ayahuasca: Ayahuasca ceremonies often involve intense purging through vomiting or diarrhea, which depletes the body of electrolytes and often alongside long periods of fasting, particularly for a traditional “Dieta” …. Administering Kambo shortly afterward, without ensuring these electrolytes have been replenished, significantly increases the risk of hyponatremia.

2. Lack of due diligence: After an Ayahuasca ceremony, participants should be given fruits or electrolyte-rich foods to restore their body’s balance. Failing to provide this essential care leaves individuals in a vulnerable state, unable to safely handle the additional purging caused by Kambo and water intake. 

3. Increased Physical Strain: Ayahuasca and Kambo are both intense medicines that place significant demands on the body. Administering Kambo too soon after an Ayahuasca ceremony can overwhelm participants, especially if their physical or emotional state is not adequately assessed.

Essential Post-Ceremony Care:

• Replenishing Electrolytes: Trained facilitators ensure participants consume electrolyte-rich foods, such as bananas or oranges immediately after an Ayahuasca ceremony.

This step is critical in preparing the body for subsequent treatments.

• Allowing Recovery Time: Administering Kambo requires careful consideration of the participant’s condition. Alongside the contraindications, the electrolyte levels are the most crucial things to be monitored. 

Why Certification and Training Matter

Certified Kambo practitioners undergo rigorous training to ensure they understand the physiological, emotional, and spiritual demands of administering Kambo safely. Training programs emphasize:

• Hydration and Electrolyte Management: Striking the balance between proper hydration and avoiding overhydration.

• Contraindication Screening: Conducting thorough health assessments to ensure participant safety.

• Safe Integration Practices: Recognizing when and how to integrate Kambo with other medicines and the dangers of doing so. 

• Emergency Preparedness: Responding effectively to adverse reactions, including recognizing the signs of hyponatremia or other complications.

Untrained facilitators, lacking this knowledge, can inadvertently cause harm, undermining the transformative potential of Kambo and potentially damaging the reputation of Kambo all together. 

Protecting Yourself as a Participant

If you’re considering a Kambo ceremony, especially as part of a plant medicine retreat, take the following precautions:

1. Research Your Practitioner: Verify their training, certification, and experience in administering Kambo.

2. Ask About Integration Practices: Ensure the facilitator understands the physical demands of combining Kambo with other medicines.

3. Discuss the risks of Water intake and electrolytes

4. Trust Your Body: If you feel unwell or unsure about proceeding, do not allow anyone to pressure you into participating.

Conclusion

Kambo is a powerful medicine, but its safety and efficacy depend entirely on the skill and knowledge of the practitioner. The dangers of hyponatremia, overlooked contraindications, and unsafe practices during plant medicine retreats highlight the importance of choosing a trained and certified professional.

By working with experienced practitioners who follow evidence-based protocols, you can safeguard your health and fully honor the transformative potential of Kambo. If you’re looking for certified practitioners or want to learn more about safe practices, visit www.kambopa.com.