The Truth About Kambo, Hyponatremia, and Safety: A Response to Misinformation

The world of Kambo recently found itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The tragic passing of Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez during a ceremony has raised concerns and stirred conversations about the safety of Kambo. When an incident like this occurs, it’s natural for fear and misunderstanding to spread. But Kambo itself is not the problem—the problem lies in how it is misunderstood and, in some cases, irresponsibly practiced.

It’s time to address this directly. Kambo is a sacred medicine with incredible potential to help people. When used responsibly, it can guide the body to balance and restoration. But it is not without risks, especially when myths and poor practices enter the picture. Let’s take a moment to separate fact from fiction and dive into the real mechanisms behind Kambo, the dangers of hyponatremia, and what needs to change to keep this ancient practice safe and sacred.

Kambo Is Not Just a “Detox”

One of the most persistent myths about Kambo is that it’s all about detoxing through physical purging. Yes, vomiting, sweating, or other forms of purging often happen during a session. But this is not the goal—it’s a byproduct of the real work Kambo does.

Here’s the truth: Kambo works because of its peptides. These bioactive compounds act as messengers, sending signals to your body’s systems—your immune system, nervous system, and more. They essentially say, “Let’s get back to balance.” This state of balance, or homeostasis, is where healing happens.

The purge? That’s your body responding to the shifts Kambo creates. It’s your system processing and recalibrating. It’s not Kambo scrubbing toxins out of your stomach and throwing them into a bucket. That idea is oversimplified at best, harmful at worst.

The Danger of Overhydration

Here’s where the problem starts: Many practitioners encourage participants to drink large amounts of water before a session, often over a liter, to “help with the purge.” This is not traditional. This is not safe. And it’s completely unnecessary.

Drinking too much water in a short time can lead to hyponatremia, a condition where sodium levels in the blood drop dangerously low. Sodium is a vital electrolyte, helping regulate water balance inside and outside of cells. When there’s too much water and not enough sodium, cells swell. When brain cells swell, it can lead to confusion, seizures, coma, and even death.

Now imagine adding Kambo’s natural purging effects—vomiting, sweating, diarrhea—to the mix. That rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes can push an already overhydrated body into dangerous territory.

Understanding Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia isn’t just a technical term—it’s a real and immediate risk when overhydration meets intense purging. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including:

• Nausea and headaches

• Confusion or irritability

• Seizures

• Coma

When ceremonies involve both Kambo and other medicines like Ayahuasca, which also promote purging, the risks multiply. Without proper hydration and electrolyte management, this combination can turn a powerful experience into a life-threatening situation.

What Went Wrong in Marcela’s Case?

Although the full details of Marcela’s passing aren’t yet known, we do know some key elements. Reports suggest severe vomiting and diarrhea contributed to her death. This aligns with the signs of hyponatremia, possibly exacerbated by overhydration or poor electrolyte balance. Tragically, the practitioner fled the scene as her condition worsened, leaving her without the emergency care she needed.

This was not a failure of Kambo—it was a failure of responsible practice. And it’s something we must work together to prevent.

How to Keep Kambo Safe

The sacred medicine of Kambo deserves respect, and so do the people who seek it. Here’s how we can protect both.

1. Shift the Focus

Stop fixating on the purge. Kambo’s real power lies in its ability to restore balance through peptides, not in how violently someone vomits. Educate participants about what’s happening inside their bodies, so they understand the true value of the medicine.

2. Ditch the Water Myth

Participants should drink a reasonable amount of water—250 to 500 ml is enough to stay hydrated. Electrolytes are key. Coconut water, electrolyte tablets, or other balanced fluids can keep the body safe during and after purging.

3. Train for Emergencies

Practitioners need to recognize the signs of hyponatremia and other potential complications. Training in emergency response, including knowing when to call for medical help, is non-negotiable.

4. Lead With Accountability

Leaving a participant in distress is not only unethical—it’s deadly. Practitioners must stay present and take responsibility for the safety of their clients from start to finish.

Honoring the True Spirit of Kambo

Kambo is not inherently dangerous. It’s a powerful medicine that has brought healing to countless people. But with power comes responsibility. The tragic loss of Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez reminds us that myths, poor practices, and a lack of education can lead to devastating outcomes.

By embracing safe practices and understanding the real mechanisms of Kambo, we can honor its Amazonian roots while ensuring its future as a tool for healing. This means letting go of outdated ideas about detox, promoting balanced hydration, and holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of safety and care.

Marcela’s story is a tragedy, but it’s also a call to action. Let’s ensure that her loss sparks a deeper commitment to education, respect, and safety in every Kambo ceremony. Together, we can keep this sacred medicine what it was always meant to be: a bridge to balance, healing, and transformation.

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