Phyllomedusa bicolor

An important ceremony practiced by the Matsés entails the use of a frog poison obtained from the skin of Phyllomedusa bicolor. However for the Matsés, this is not poison, instead it is a traditional medicine. Like many native medicines, frog poison functions by purging one's system through vomiting. Contrary to the philosophy of western medicine, Matsés traditional medicine cleanses ones system, rather than augmenting it.

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