Just What is Mamajuana?

A play on a word perhaps? That was my first thought when I serendipitously came across a discreet ad for mamajuana, while ordering food in a quaint little shop. Of course I thought immediately about the more popular ‘….juana’ also known as weed, maryjane, etc.

Mamajuana was being sold in a 12 ounce bottle. Should I try it? Should I just go ahead and get a bottle and let the chips fall where they may? Well, no, as always I must do some research – and after doing so, I am glad–being a woman and all–that I did not buy a bottle and guzzle. Anyway…

Get to the point – what is mamajuana?

Originally made by the Taino Indians, mamajuana is a beverage that seems to have several different recipes, depending on whether it comes from the Dominican Republic, Haiti or one of the Islands.

What is in the recipe?

It is made by boiling certain herbs and roots to make a tea and adding honey to sweeten. In fact, authentic mamajuana can be made with as many as 20 different herbs and roots.

So why, as a woman, are you glad you didn’t buy it and guzzle?

It seems the main purpose of mamajuana is to correct impotency. Mamajauana, it turns out, is also known as Viagra Dominicana. There are a number of recipes, but overwhelmingly, it is said to stimulate the male libido.

How has the recipe changed?

Added to the boiled herbs, roots and honey now, is wine and rum – a half and half mixture. The herbs and roots can be bought dry and you add your own honey, rum (ideally overproof – like 151 proof), and red wine, and some have cinnamon added. Or you can buy a bottle of prepared mamajuana. What I saw was a bottle of a prepared drink – a commercial product.

What are some of the herbs and roots?

They include canalilea (a Dominican cinnamon), Bitter ginger, Batata, Bejuco de Costilla, Bejuco de Indio, true yam/yname, Anamu and many other herbal ingredients. Some freshly made drinks may include sea foods.

How is it served?

It can be served warm, over ice, mixed with soda or with juice. One shot of the freshly prepared mamajuana is said to be enough.

Where is it sold?

Buy it all over the Dominican Republic, probably online – and if you live in Brooklyn, New York City, like I do, you can buy it – and everything else.

So not for women at all?

Actually, this is an old formula and the recipe can change a bit to suit the health condition – so think of it as a healthy herbal drink. Certain herbs are said to be beneficial if you want to get pregnant, for arthritis, to energize, to help with agility, clear the head, cure the flu, correct ovarian and prostate disorders, remove internal parasites, and my favorite – the use of Bejuco de Indio which, when used by men – gets the bottom part of the body vibrating (I’d like to see this) and helps release pheromones.

Does it work?

As a woman, I don’t know, but I think it would be fun to say to a guest real fast “Hey, you wanna try some of this mamajuana?” Depending on the caliber of your guest, they may think you are offering another product and quickly say “Yes!” – so this may just be a fun thing to do.

And yes, if I come across a mamajuana product created for a woman, say to energize me, I’d try it. I’m a believer in herbs. How can you go wrong with honey, cinnamon, wine, overproof rum, and 20 herbs and roots?