An actress has died after consuming frog venom on a spiritual retreat.
Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez consumed Kambo, a waxy substance derived from the skin of the Amazonian tree frog Phyllomedusa bicolor, as part of a cleansing ritual.
The 33-year-old began vomiting and experiencing severe diarrhoea after ingesting the substance, which is applied to the skin to trigger a detoxification process.
READ MORE: One dead as out-of-control driver smashes into toll booth at high speed
The goal is to purge the body of toxins, psychological trauma and bad juju.
Marcela was rushed to a Red Cross hospital for treatment, but medics were unable to save her, as reported by Need To Know.
The incident occurred on 1 December in the early hours of the morning, while she was on a spiritual retreat in Durango, Mexico.
An investigation has been launched by the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Durango.
Officers are looking for the supposed shaman, who ran the retreat.
Mexican production company, Mapache Films, which collaborated with Marcela, sent its condolences to her family.
In a post shared on Instagram, they wrote: “With deep regret, today we bid farewell to our colleague and friend Marcela Alcázar.
“Wishing also quick resignation for her closest family and friends.”
The president of the College of Psychologists of Mexico, Luis Manuel Naranjo, has stated that diarrhoea and vomiting are considered to be part of the ‘healing’ process in a ritual.
Due to it being a substance which contains venom, it can cause serious adverse effects which can include death.
READ MORE: Heroic students stop classmate’s brutal hammer attack after suspect posts ‘the time has come’
