In a tragic turn of events, Mexican actress Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez, 33, died after participating in a controversial spiritual cleansing ritual that involved ingesting Amazonian frog venom. The incident occurred at a spiritual retreat, where Rodríguez sought to cleanse her body and mind through the traditional South American Kambo ritual.
The ritual, which involved drinking large amounts of water, receiving burns on the skin, and applying frog venom to the wounds, quickly turned fatal for the actress. Soon after beginning the process, Rodríguez experienced severe vomiting and diarrhea—common but extreme reactions during the ritual. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her symptoms, according to The Mirror.
What is the Kambo ritual?
The Kambo ritual, rooted in South American traditions, is marketed as a detoxifying cleanse meant to purge toxins from the body. Participants are required to drink over a liter of water before having small burns inflicted on their skin. The venomous mucus of the Amazonian giant monkey frog is then applied to these burns.
Advocates claim the venom induces vomiting and increases blood pressure as part of a “healing” process. However, the practice is not without risk. Side effects can include diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, swollen lips, and facial swelling. In rare but severe cases, prolonged exposure to the venom can lead to seizures or death.
In Rodríguez’s case, her body reacted intensely to the venom. What is often considered a “cleansing” process spiraled out of control, leaving her unable to cope with the extreme vomiting and diarrhea triggered by the venom.
Desperate pleas for help
Reports suggest that Rodríguez initially resisted seeking medical help, believing the symptoms to be part of the healing process. A friend who visited her urged her to get assistance, but by the time she relented, her condition had deteriorated significantly. Compounding the tragedy, a shaman overseeing the ritual allegedly refused to let Rodríguez leave the retreat as her health declined. When her condition worsened further, the shaman reportedly fled the scene. Authorities in Mexico are now searching for the individual involved.
A deadly trend
This incident has reignited debates over the safety of the Kambo ritual, which has been linked to a growing number of health complications and fatalities. Critics argue that the practice lacks sufficient medical oversight and can have devastating consequences for participants unprepared for the physical toll it exacts. Medical experts caution against attempting such rituals without a clear understanding of their risks. While some proponents hail Kambo as a powerful detoxification method, the lack of regulation and oversight leaves participants vulnerable to severe complications.
Investigation underway
Mexican authorities are now investigating the circumstances of Rodríguez’s death, including the role of the retreat and the shaman involved. Her death has also sparked calls for greater scrutiny of spiritual retreats offering unregulated and potentially dangerous practices. As questions swirl about accountability and safety, Rodríguez’s tragic story serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in unregulated alternative healing practices.
