Kristian Trend, 40, is believed to have collapsed at home after using a poisonous substance known as ‘Kambo’. The substance comes from secretions of the giant leaf frog and has traditionally been used by some Amazonian tribes during religious ceremonies.
In the ritual, the poison is applied to burned skin. It is meant to trigger effects such as a faster heart rate and vomiting, but people have also reported far more serious reactions, including psychosis, toxic hepatitis, and organ damage after taking part.
His mom, Angie, said her son had become more spiritual in recent years and wanted to ‘cleanse himself.’ That detail has made the case even more painful for his family, as the ritual appears to have been connected to his search for healing and meaning after a serious illness.
“We haven’t had the test results back yet. I don’t know anything, and I don’t even think I want to know what happened. It won’t bring him back.”
Her son’s death came after he had survived Burkitt lymphoma, a form of cancer that left him receiving hospital treatment for four months. After that recovery, Trend became an advocate for so-called alternative medicine.
“After much travelling through India and Asia, immersed in holistic wellness and meditation, the path became clear.”
Then, in April, he was rushed to hospital after becoming ill at home. Blood tests are still ongoing to determine exactly what caused him to collapse and die. A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison and has since been released on bail.
Why cases like this can be so concerning
Alternative treatments can appeal to people who have been through serious illness, especially when they are looking for control, hope, or a way to feel stronger after a difficult period.
That does not mean every wellness practice is dangerous, but it does show why strong health claims need care. When a ritual involves a toxic substance, burns to the skin, vomiting, or a major physical reaction, the risks are very different from taking vitamins or changing a diet.
Recent warnings around other health trends, including food safety risks linked to viral meal prep habits, show how quickly online wellness ideas can spread before people understand the possible dangers.
What is Kambo?
Kambo is a pseudoscientific ‘detox’ ceremony based on practices linked to Indigenous groups in the Amazon basin. In recent years, it has become more common among people who believe it may help with a wide range of health issues.
A typical ceremony involves the person drinking a large amount of a traditional brew. After that, a practitioner burns the skin with a stick, causing small wounds or blisters.
The top layer of burned skin is then removed, and the waxy poison secretions of the giant leaf frog are applied to the area. This lets the toxins enter the bloodstream, which can trigger flushing, a raised heart rate, diarrhea, and vomiting.
A 2020 research paper described the case of a 41-year-old woman who had the treatment after telling her shaman she was dealing with depression. After the poison was applied, she became floppy and unresponsive, and her breathing became dangerously shallow.
She was taken to hospital and placed on a mechanical ventilator for three days before recovering. Afterward, she developed frightening visual hallucinations of animals and people, which required further medication.
With the wellbeing trend linked to hospitalizations and deaths in different parts of the world, countries including Australia, Brazil, and Chile have already banned the substance. The UK government has not yet taken the same action in relation to Trend’s case.
A UK government spokesperson said: “Any substance that poses a risk to public health or safety will be kept under review. We urge individuals to exercise caution when considering alternative therapies and to be aware of the potential risks involved.”
