A Mexican actress has died after injecting frog poison in a "healing" ritual native to South America - and police have launched a manhunt for the shaman involved.

Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez, 33, fell violently ill after taking kambo, a toxic venom secreted by the Amazonian tree frog.

In Kambo, a shaman uses a hot stick to burn the skin and then applies the poison to the wounds. The venom causes severe diarrhea and vomiting that are supposed to purge the body of toxins.

Actress dies in ritual

According to a local report, Rodriguez was at a spiritual retreat to receive a "diploma" in "healer training."

The woman immediately started having severe vomiting and diarrhea. But the shaman ignored her pleas for medical attention, possibly because her symptoms were seen as part of the "healing" process.

Rodriguez was eventually brought to a Red Cross hospital, where she unfortunately died.

The authorities are searching for the shaman involved, who reportedly fled the retreat in Mayocoyani, Durango. Prosecutor Sonia Yadira de la Garza Fragoso said authorities are building a case for negligent homicide against Jonathan Fernando.

The case is under investigation by the Attorney General's Office of the State of Durango.

Traditional "medicine"

Kambo is a waxy poisonous substance derived from the skin of the Amazonian tree frog. Native "healers" harvest the poison by tying up the frogs near a fire, triggering a defense mechanism.

The substance causes immediate, severe effects like diarrhea, vomiting, fainting, and swollen lips or face.

South American natives have consumed Kambo for centuries for its supposed spiritual healing powers. But people in the West have also embraced the primitive practice for its imagined "cleansing" capabilities.

The movie production company  Mapache Film confirmed the sad news of Rodriguez's death in a statement.

"With deep regret, we mourn the death of our beloved colleague and friend, Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez,” the production company wrote.

“Her passing left an immense emptiness in our hearts and in our professional community.

“Her dedication, joy and commitment left a profound mark on all of us who had the privilege of working beside her."

Sadly, this is a cautionary tale about treating all cultures the same. While many Westerners have lost trust in mainstream medicine since COVID, consuming frog poison is never a good idea.