The Dangers of Kambo: A Warning from Health Experts
Complementary medicine leaders have issued a warning to the public about an ancient healing practice known as “kambo,” which involves the use of frog poison. This ritual has recently come under scrutiny after a British man died during a ceremony in his London flat. Those interested in this practice are being advised to avoid self-appointed shamans who claim to administer the treatment safely, despite the lack of scientific support for its use.
Kambo is an ancient ritual that originated among tribes in the Amazon rainforest. In recent years, it has gained popularity around the world. The practice typically involves the dried skin secretions of the giant leaf frog and is conducted in a group setting known as a kambo circle.
The warning comes following the death of Kristian Trend, a 40-year-old wellness coach from Leicester, who was a cancer survivor. According to The Telegraph, he collapsed and died after consuming kambo, which is also the name of the frog secretion. Since his passing, the British Complementary Medicine Association (BCMA) has urged people to only seek alternative treatments from qualified practitioners.
“You would not go to a doctor without checking they were registered, properly qualified and insured; the same follows for a complementary therapist,” the BCMA stated. “These questions are very reasonable and should not cause any problems for the therapist to answer and produce supporting information for. If any of these questions cannot be answered to your satisfaction, consider moving on to another therapist.”
The substance used in kambo is harvested from the defensive skin secretions of the Amazonian giant monkey tree frog. It was banned in Australia after some rare deaths linked to “kambo” ceremonies, which involve burning or scraping a participant’s skin and rubbing the Kambo into the wound.
Understanding the Risks of Kambo
Kambo is often used in “purging” ceremonies, where users aim to release physical toxins, emotional baggage, or other negative energy. While it can be legally purchased in the UK, it is not a licensed medicine, and the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not regulate its use.
Kristian Trend’s mother, Angie, shared her thoughts with the outlet. She said, “He was going to cleanse himself, that’s what he said to me. He was very spiritual. He took a lot of vitamins.”
“He recovered from Burkitt lymphoma cancer, which he nearly died from. That’s the worst part. He was in hospital for four months and got through that and for this to happen is just awful. It was his birthday the week after and I’d bought all these presents.”
The frog poison has been associated with several health issues, including seizures, liver failures, and heart attacks. Angie expressed her hope that kambo would be banned, saying, “I do hope this is banned and nobody has to go through this devastating pain, but it can’t and won’t be me who campaigns for it. I have no fight left.”
The Broader Implications of Unregulated Treatments
Kambo is not the only alternative treatment raising concerns among health professionals. The British Pharmacological Society (BPS) has also issued warnings about the use of such treatments. They advise people to consult licensed healthcare professionals before using any medicines.
“Many licensed medicines come from natural sources, but they are carefully tested for safety, quality and effectiveness before being approved for use. Safe prescribing depends on this evidence, proper clinical oversight, and an understanding of possible risks, side effects and interactions with other medicines,” the BPS stated.
“This is especially important where a product or treatment has not been assessed or approved by the MHRA, the UK medicines regulator, as unlicensed treatments may be harmful, interfere with prescribed medicines, or delay people getting the care they need.”
Final Thoughts
The tragic death of Kristian Trend highlights the potential dangers of unregulated alternative treatments. As more people turn to practices like kambo for spiritual or health reasons, it is crucial to understand the risks involved. Health experts emphasize the importance of seeking advice from qualified professionals and being cautious about the use of substances that have not been thoroughly tested or approved.
While the desire for natural and holistic approaches to health is understandable, it is essential to prioritize safety and informed decision-making. The incident serves as a reminder that not all traditional practices are safe, and the absence of scientific backing can pose serious risks.
