Contraindications

When should Kambô be avoided?


Understanding Contraindications & When Extra Care Is Needed

Hearing about Kambô for the first time can raise questions — and that’s completely natural. Perhaps you’ve seen someone you know go through a session, or you’ve read stories online and felt curious about what this medicine could offer you.

What’s important to understand is that Kambô has been used safely for thousands of years in Amazonian healing traditions. In the rainforest, it is sometimes even given to children and animals (though we do not do this in the West). When administered by a properly trained practitioner, Kambô is a deeply intelligent, natural, and safe therapy for most people.

Kambô is not a poison. It is a natural secretion full of bioactive peptides that support the body in detoxification, immunity, emotional release, and clarity.

It is:

  • not addictive

  • not toxic

  • not damaging to your organs

  • safe for the majority of people

Every new client receives a thorough health screening before their first session. If Kambô is not suitable for you, I will let you know immediately and help you find the right alternative support. Your safety and wellbeing are the foundation of this work.


When Kambô Is Not Advised (Contraindications)

These conditions make Kambô unsafe, and we cannot proceed with treatment under any circumstances.


Heart & Circulatory Conditions

  • Serious heart problems

  • Aneurysms or blood clots

  • History of brain hemorrhage

  • History of stroke

  • Medication for low blood pressure (very rare)


Neurological Conditions

  • Current or severe epilepsy

  • Brain hemorrhage history


Hormonal & Autoimmune

  • Addison’s disease or severely low cortisol levels


Medical Treatments

  • Undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy

  • Completed chemo/radiotherapy within the last 4–6 weeks

  • Organ transplant recipients taking immune-suppressants


Mental Health

  • Severe psychiatric disorders that impair decision-making or emotional stability

  • (Depression, PTSD and anxiety are NOT contraindications — please reach out to discuss your situation.)


Reproductive

  • Pregnant or possibly pregnant

  • Breastfeeding a baby under 6 months old


Other

  • Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome

  • Recent or ongoing Bufo / 5-MeO-DMT use (within 4 weeks)

  • Under 18 years old

  • Lack of capacity to give informed consent

  • Recovering from major surgery

These are all non-negotiable safety boundaries.


When Extra Care Is Needed (Precautions)

These situations do not automatically exclude you from receiving Kambô. They simply mean we need to assess your case individually and adjust the treatment plan.


Medications & Supplements

  • Immune-suppressants for autoimmune conditions

  • Prescription sleeping aids

  • High doses of slimming pills

  • Serotonin supplements

  • Recent changes in medication

  • Diuretic use or heavy consumption of energy drinks


Eating & Detoxing

  • Eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia)

  • Recent fasting (water fasting, long juice fasts, dry fasting)

  • Recent colonics, enemas, liver flushes, or detox programs


Nervous System & Emotional Health

  • Active drug or alcohol addiction

  • High emotional instability or acute stress

  • History of panic, trauma, or dissociation

  • Anxiety-related breathing difficulty


Chronic Conditions

  • Autoimmune diseases

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Arthritis and joint inflammation

  • Thyroid imbalance

  • Migraine disorders

  • Viral conditions (Lyme, hepatitis, dengue)

  • Diabetes (type determines safety)


Reproductive & Hormonal

  • Undergoing fertility treatments

  • Irregular cycles or hormonal conditions


Respiratory & Cardiovascular

  • Asthma (bring your inhaler)

  • Very high or very low blood pressure

  • Born with heart conditions

In many of these cases, Kambô can be given safely with the right preparation and a tailored approach — creating treatment plans for complex cases while prioritising your wellbeing at every step.


Your Safety Comes First

Kambô is completely safe when your practitioner understands your health history. Your full transparency allows me to:

  • evaluate whether Kambô is appropriate

  • adjust the method (traditional, meridian, chakra, or auricular)

  • dose responsibly

  • support your nervous system throughout

  • ensure the medicine works for you, not against you

There is never any pressure, judgment, or expectation — only honest guidance.

If Kambô isn’t right for you, you will receive recommendations for safe alternatives.


Not Sure If You’re a Good Fit?

You are welcome to book a clarity call. We’ll go through your health history, your intentions, and any concerns you may have. The goal is simply to ensure that the work we do together is safe, aligned, and supportive of where you are in your life.