UNDERSTANDING KAMBO DOSAGE

When it comes to dosage in Kambo, there is no universal definition. Many Kambo practitioners refer to the number of dots when discussing dosage. However, this can be misleading, as the size of the dot and the strength of the medicine vary. For one person, a dot may be equivalent to five dots for another. Additionally, individuals may have varying sensitivities to the medicine, meaning they may require significantly more or less than the average person.

For this reason, I define the dosage of Kambo based on the effects experienced rather than the quantity used, even though a larger amount of medicine generally produces a stronger effect.

I personally categorize Kambo dosage into five groups:

  • Micro dose
  • Mini dose
  • Regular dose
  • Strong/high dose
  • Overdose

Micro Dose

Microdosing Kambo is not a traditional method. It is a modern idea inspired by microdosing protocols for psychedelics, which differ significantly from Kambo. Generally, a microdose for psychedelics is defined as a tenth of a regular dose, taken over a specific timeframe. It should not provoke any strong physical sensations but can enhance productivity, attention, emotions, and mood.

With Kambo, the effectiveness of microdosing is debatable. While some people report great benefits, others do not. Kambo is not psychedelic, so it does not function as one. The idea is that Kambo peptides, responsible for its effects and health benefits, can be absorbed equally in small amounts over multiple sessions or in a single session with a higher dose. Sensations during a microdose are mild and short-lived, such as slightly elevated blood pressure, warmth, or a faster heartbeat.

In my experience, microdosing did not offer the same benefits as a full Kambo session, even after multiple applications. However, I do see its potential, especially in meditative practices or for individuals who may not be able to undergo a full session due to health conditions or other limitations. People respond differently to Kambo, and microdosing is the least intense way to explore its effects. It can serve as a gentle and safe entry point for some individuals and may offer more benefits than not working with Kambo at all.

Mini Dose

Like the microdose, the mini dose is not a traditional use of Kambo. Most people experience a mini dose accidentally, aiming for a micro or regular dose but miscalculating.

Effects of a mini dose include initial warmth, nausea, and occasional mild purging. These effects subside usually quickly, and the session typically doesn’t last as long.

A mini dose provides a gentle boost without requiring a full Kambo session. It can be especially effective when experiencing congestion from a cold, as it helps release mucus and speeds up recovery while being less intense than a full application. It may also support other conditions in a similarly gentle way.

In my experience, a mini dose can offer more benefits than a microdose, but it can also induce temporary discomfort, including nausea and vomiting. In some cases, a person may feel unwell without being able to purge, which can be unpleasant and last for a while.

Regular Dose

A regular dose is the traditional way of using Kambo and remains the standard for most practitioners.

The effects exceed those of a mini dose, with almost everyone feeling the urge to vomit. Drinking water or a starchy drink beforehand helps with the purging process, which wouldn’t be necessary with the micro or mini dose. Effects last 15 to 25 minutes for most people. While some discomfort may occur, the experience is generally manageable.

As a practitioner, I aim to determine the exact amount of medicine needed for a regular dose. This dose provides the most balanced ratio of discomfort to benefits. In my opinion, it is the most beneficial dosage.

Strong/High Dose

A strong dose creates an intense experience and is generally not necessary. From a practitioner’s perspective, more medicine does not automatically result in deeper healing. While the effects are similar to those of a regular dose, they are significantly more intense and come with a higher risk of fainting or other unwanted reactions. Although many people view the experience positively in hindsight, even if it feels overwhelming in the moment.

This level of dosing is sometimes used as an initiation or as a demonstration of strength in certain tribal contexts. Some individuals may also prefer a strong dose over a regular one, as it can leave them with a greater sense of accomplishment. Personally, I avoid administering strong doses, as I have not observed them to bring greater healing compared to a standard application.

Highly sensitive individuals may even experience the effects of a strong dose with only a small amount of medicine.

Overdose

An overdose occurs when the dosage is much higher than what the body can handle at the moment. This can trigger a negative response, potentially requiring medical attention. Some practitioners claim that Kambo cannot cause an overdose and blame negative reactions on preexisting health issues of the client or external factors. I disagree. While there is no universal quantity that constitutes an overdose, sensitivity to Kambo varies greatly among individuals and for some people a specific amount may just be too much.

In my early years as a practitioner, I observed a few clients who had negative reactions due to excessive doses. These sessions weakened their immune systems and triggered inflammations or infections in vulnerable body parts. These experiences led me to modify my approach, moving slightly away from traditional practices.

Individualized Dosage

Determining the right dosage is a highly individualized process. Practitioners must consider various factors and observe clients closely. Additionally, the method of application plays a crucial role in how much medicine is needed. There are three primary methods:

Flat Dose:
The traditional way of applying Kambo involves determining the number of dots prior to the session and applying them all at once. This method produces faster effects and a quicker session. However, it can be too intense for sensitive individuals, occasionally causing harmful reactions.

Building-Up Method:
Also known as the test dot method, this involves applying one dot initially and observing the reaction before adding more medicine as needed. This approach is safer and more individualized but takes longer than the flat dose method.

Layering:
In this method, one dot is applied first, and the next dot is added only after after the initial effects subside. This process is repeated achieving a stronger reaction very gradually. Layering is helpful for individuals prone to fainting or those who have difficulty handling the medicine but still want a full session. It is the slowest method of application.

In the end, the specific type of dosage is not what truly matters, what’s important is that the individual benefits from the experience and no harm is done. People are unique and have different needs, which is why it’s essential to adapt the approach individually rather than rigidly following protocols.