Exploring the Benefits of Sananga, Rapé, and Kambo: Ancient Remedies for Modern Wellness

In a world filled with synthetic remedies and quick fixes, many are turning back to ancient practices for holistic healing. Among these are sananga, rapé, and kambo—three powerful tools from Amazonian traditions that offer physical, spiritual, and emotional benefits.

While each has unique properties and uses, together they form a triad of profound cleansing and realignment.

Unlike other Amazonian medicines, kambo is not a psychedelic substance.

During a kambo ceremony, you are fully embodied and aware of your surroundings.

Part One - Sananga: Eye Drops for the Soul

Sananga is made from the root bark of Amazonian shrubs like Tabernaemontana. These eye drops are used to enhance vision—both physical and spiritual, and are often administered at the beginning of a kambo ceremony.

What to Expect with Sananga:

• A brief, intense burning sensation in the eyes, followed by a cooling and clearing effect

• Improved night vision and heightened awareness

• A deep sense of energetic cleansing and alignment

Preliminary research indicates that alkaloids in sananga may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (Macêdo et al., 2017).

Although its effects on spiritual clarity remain experiential and subjective, new imaging devices such as the Bio-Well are able to provide insight on its effects on the third eye and crown chakras.

Part Two - Rapé: The Sacred Snuff

Rapé (pronounced “ha-pay”) is a blend of powdered tobacco and medicinal herbs that are blown into the nostrils with the use of a tepi during ceremonies. Far from recreational, rapé is used for grounding, focus, and energetic cleansing.

Benefits of Rapé:

• Clears energetic blockages

• Enhances meditation and intention-setting

• Stimulates the pineal gland, which may aid in spiritual awakening and intuition

Research into the active alkaloids in tobacco, particularly nicotine, suggests they can enhance focus and reduce anxiety in controlled doses (Benowitz, 2010). When used ceremonially, rapé is a powerful ally for mindfulness and connection to spirit.

Part Three - Kambo: The Spirit of the Amazonian Monkey Frog

Kambo is a secretion derived from the Giant Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), traditionally used by Amazonian tribes for cleansing the body and strengthening the spirit. Modern science backs some of its benefits, highlighting peptides in the secretion that may offer pain relief, antimicrobial effects, and immune support (Ménez et al., 2021).

The bioactive peptides present in kambo include:

• Phyllocaerulein: a potent stimulator of gastric and pancreatic secretions, contributing to digestive improvement; affects body thermoregulation

• Phyllokinin: contributes to a reduction in blood pressure and increases vascular permeability, including that of the blood- brain barrier

• Phyllomedusin: stimulates a deep cleansing of the whole digestive system

• Sauvagine: stimulates the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, helping to increase sensory perception and increase physical endurance

• Adenoregulin (Dermaseptin B2): has both the ability to inhibit different forms of "uncontrolled cellular growth" and to restore healthily blood vessel growth; non-toxic to healthy human and animal cells despite its potent antibacterial and cellular growth-regulating capabilities

• Dermorphin: acts on opioid receptors (with the help of deltorphins) to reduce the experience of pain; moderates mood

• Deltorphin: helps to relieve pain and elicits a sense of calm; can have a positive influence on opiate dependence

• Litorin, Phyllolitorin, Rohdei-Litorin, Leu-phyllolitorin: four neuropeptides that stimulate gastric acid, pancreatic secretion and smooth muscle contraction

Steps of a Kambo Ceremony:

1. Preparation: Participants fast for 12-18 hours to ensure a clear system. Water and herbal tea is often permitted up to 3 hours before the ceremony begins

2. Application: The practitioner creates small burns (gates) on the topmost layer of skin using a small incense stick (typically on the arm or leg) to expose the lymphatic system.

   • The practitioner then quickly wipes away any small blisters that form.

   • Kambo is applied to these points slowly to gauge how the participant is embodying the experience.

3. The Experience: Within seconds, participants may feel warmth, an elevated heart rate, or flushing.

   • Many experience profuse sweating, nausea and vomiting as the medicine travels through the body, releasing toxins, yeast, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While intense, this purge is considered a pivotal part of the cleansing process. 

   • Water consumption is critical during this stage (it helps flush the system).

4. Recovery: After 20-40 minutes, the intense effects subside, often leaving participants feeling lighter, energized and deeply reflective.

5. Integration: Reflection and post ceremony scans are encouraged to cement shifts in physical and emotional awareness.

Physically, kambo is known for its detoxifying properties.

Emotionally and spiritually, many report feeling more connected to their inner-selves, gaining clarity, and releasing deep-seated emotional blocks after sitting with kambo.

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Final Thoughts

The practices of sananga, rapé, kambo offer more than physical detox; they provide a doorway to emotional release and spiritual awakening. While their effects are profound, it is essential to approach these medicines with respect, guided by trained practitioners.

For those ready to embark on this journey, it is important to consult a medical professional before traveling down kambo's powerful path toward holistic healing and self-discovery.

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References:

• Benowitz, N. L. (2010). Nicotine addiction. New England Journal of Medicine, 362(24), 2295-2303.

• Macêdo, A. F., et al. (2017). Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Tabernaemontana species: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 198, 250-267.

• Ménez, A., et al. (2021). Frog skin peptides: Potentials and challenges. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 654321.