Los Angeles—the city of cleansing, exercising, juicing, and trying the next best thing. It’s no surprise that an unconventional healing ritual like Kambo has made its way into this wellness-obsessed city. While I initially thought I’d pass on trying this frog-derived “medicine,” one particular benefit caught my attention: help with fertility. That changed everything. I convinced my husband to join me, and our journey into the world of Kambo began.

What Is Kambo?

 Kambo is a secretion from the Phyllomedusa bicolor tree frog, native to the Amazon rainforest. Indigenous tribes have used it for centuries to enhance stamina, cleanse the body, and sharpen focus. In the modern world, Kambo is believed to support physical detoxification, emotional release, and spiritual clarity.

It’s not a psychedelic, but the process is undeniably intense. Its effects are short-lived but can be transformative—if you’re willing to endure them.

Our Experience with Kambo in LA

When my husband and I decided to try Kambo, we found a young practitioner in West Hollywood. She frequently traveled to Peru to ethically source the secretion and was highly recommended in wellness circles.

The day of the ceremony, we entered her tiny apartment. It had just enough space for two yoga mats, one for me and one for my husband. The practitioner greeted us warmly and asked if we’d like to cleanse our aura. Why not?

She then poured a liquid into my eyes. Whatever it was, it felt like a mix of shampoo, mascara, and lemon juice—it burned so badly that I thought I might never see again. As I blinked through the pain, she calmly walked us through the next steps:

Drink Half Gallon of Water
Half gallon of water! It felt impossible, but hydration was critical for the process. I struggled to get it all down.

The Burns
She used a small burning stick to create four tiny marks on my shoulder and five on my husband’s. The sensation was sharp but manageable. After peeling away the burned skin, she applied the Kambo secretion.

Immediate Effects
There was no turning back. Within seconds, warmth spread through my body, and I felt my face swell—yes, I looked like a frog. But vanity was the least of my concerns because I began vomiting into the bucket provided. My husband was right behind me.

After filling about a quarter of the bucket, I stumbled to the tiny bathroom adjacent to the room. To my horror, the contents of my purge were coming out both ends. It was a profoundly awkward and miserable moment, but when you feel like dying, modesty takes a backseat.

My husband soon joined me in the bathroom chaos, and we took turns purging. After about 15 minutes, we both started feeling human again. Exhausted but relieved, we compared notes. My vomit was clear, while his was darker and oily. According to the practitioner, that difference might indicate varying levels of detox.

We paid, thanked her, and left, feeling a mix of relief and bewilderment.

Did It Work?

For full disclosure, we ultimately underwent IVF to conceive. Did Kambo help in any way? Honestly, I’m not sure. I didn’t feel a dramatic transformation after one session, but some people swear by its benefits. Would I try it again? Maybe—if the timing and circumstances were right.

What to Expect from Kambo

If you’re considering Kambo, here’s a quick summary of what you might experience:

• Preparation: You’ll likely fast and hydrate before the session.
• Burn Marks: Small burns are made to your skin to apply the secretion.
• Intense Purge: Expect nausea, vomiting, sweating, and maybe other forms of purging.
• Recovery: Most people feel better within an hour, though rest is essential.

The Takeaway

Kambo isn’t a miracle cure or a quick fix—it’s a deeply intense process that’s not for the faint of heart. Whether you’re seeking physical detox, emotional healing, or spiritual cleansing, it may take more than one session to feel lasting effects.

For my husband and me, Kambo was a shared adventure that pushed us out of our comfort zones. It didn’t magically solve our fertility challenges, but it gave us a story to tell and a new appreciation for the lengths people go to in pursuit of healing.

Would you try Kambo? Or have you already experienced it? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your perspective!

Disclaimer: This blog is based on personal experience and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying Kambo or any alternative healing practices.