Treasured as an elixir to increase sexual vitality in the Dominican Republic for over half a century, Mama juana is a homemade blend of rum, wine, honey, herbs, spices and bark. It has also been mixed with lemon and palatable liquors and served as a vitality drink. The taste is described as ‘sweet and mellow.’

Indigenous people in the Dominican Republic attest to Mama juana’s healing properties and the way in which it facilitates digestion. For this reason, Mama juana is often served after meals in restaurants and in some homes. However, Mama juana is most popular as a natural aphrodisiac and often referred to as ‘liquid Viagra.’

Mama juana is also referred to by the natives of the Dominican as ‘Para Palo’ or ‘Palo Huevito,’ and is known as a natural remedy for ‘la grippe’ or the flu. It has also been used to treat prostate and ovarian disorders.

• Hispaniola

• Mama juana extract