Gayuma: A Mythical Love Solution

Love Potions or pharmalokia refers to the use of drugs and elixirs to tap into the spiritual powers and manifest them in the physical world. In the Bible, such acts are called spiritual adultery and are considered grave sins that go against nature. In the early ages up until the 16th century, the Greeks and the Spanish popularly used a variety of flora and fauna to create these concoctions. Grounded orchids, blistered beetles and magical obscured texts paved the way for love potions to become known throughout the world.

Here in the Philippines, gayuma is brewed by witch doctors or mananambals, and the mixture is believed to be the solution for a love that seems too impossible to have. Ranging from five hundred to a thousand pesos, customers are willing to pay for the antidote for unrequited feelings, sexual awakenings, or even lasting fidelity.

Despite its decline in popularity with centuries past, this forgotten heritage still thrives in various places, such as in Siquijor and Quiapo. In his article for the Esquire Magazine, Mario Alvaro Limos narrated about how this occult practice still captivates Filipinos. In fact, this serves as a source of livelihood for some. The writer cited stores in Quiapo Church, Quezon City which were managed by a few secretive and mysterious mananambals who offered all kinds of superstitious services: tarot card reading, kulam to cast spells on enemies, pangontra or protective charms, barang or black magic, and dasal or Latin incantations.

Unfortunately for gayuma, science has become the forefront of medicine. With it comes the disheartening truth of these love potions. As enticing as they may seem, the Federation of Drug and Authority warns that any over-the-counter drugs containing ingredients for use as an aphrodisiac cannot be generally recognized as safe and effective. Dr. Michael Krychman, a clinical professor and sexual health advocate, generally informs the public to be cautious as ingestion may affect one’s overall health.

Undeniably, love potions reflect how some people are willing to go the extra mile and pay for the cost of a love that defies logic. Perhaps, for them it is a fair price to satisfy the yearnings of the soul. This depicts a kind of passion that can make anyone senseless and wild.

Now, let me ask you. If you had the chance to make someone fall in love with you, would you brave the consequences?

Reference

Limos, M. (1970, January 01). Quiapo Gayuma: How an Occult Practice Still Captivates Filipinos.https:// www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/searching-for-gayuma-in-quiapo-a00293-20200207-lfrm