Exploring Kambo: Caitlin Thompson on Frog Medicine, Healing, and Harm Reduction cover art

Exploring Kambo: Caitlin Thompson on Frog Medicine, Healing, and Harm Reduction

Exploring Kambo: Caitlin Thompson on Frog Medicine, Healing, and Harm Reduction

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 Welcome to another fascinating episode of Webdelics! Today, host Scott Mason dives deep into the world of Kambo with our guest, Caitlin Thompson—a neurobiologist, researcher, and passionate advocate for sacred medicines. If you’ve ever been curious about the mysterious “frog medicine” known as Kambo, this episode is for you. Caitlin breaks down what Kambo truly is, sharing its history as a traditional Amazonian practice using the potent skin secretions of the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog. We explore how this ritual, once primarily used by indigenous hunters for physical endurance, mental clarity, and even hunting “magic,” has made its way into Western wellness culture—transforming along the way into a tool for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and overcoming chronic health struggles. Throughout the conversation, Caitlin gets real about the science behind Kambo, its unique (but definitely not psychedelic) effects, and the powerful post-ceremony clarity many experiencers report. She also candidly discusses the potential risks, why harm reduction and proper facilitation are non-negotiable, and how misinformation can create real dangers—plus the legal gray area surrounding Kambo’s use worldwide. In this episode, you’ll also hear Caitlin’s personal healing journey—from battling chronic illness to forging a deep connection with Kambo—and learn why discernment, intention, and careful preparation are key for anyone drawn to this medicine. We wrap up with a look at the future of Kambo, sustainability concerns, and the evolving conversation around access and responsible use. So get ready for an enlightening, myth-busting, and refreshingly honest look at one of the most intriguing sacred medicines on the planet. Let’s jump right in! 00:00 Introduction 08:08 Kambo: Enhancing Mental Clarity and Connection 10:33 Kambo's Clarity and Clairvoyance Benefits 17:21 Kambo: Potent Opioid Alternative? 24:05 Kambo: Integration Beyond the Experience 29:50 Realizing Health Issues Through Kambo 34:36 Psychedelic Journeys and Well-Being 42:53 Preventing Injuries During Fainting 44:43 Risks of Sudden Blood Pressure Changes 51:36 Choosing the Right Practitioner 56:02 Kambo Prohibition Risk in Australia 01:02:47 Sacredness in Synthetic Matter 01:06:54 Understanding Substance Differences 01:10:51 Conclusion
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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.