A Popular Guyanese ‘Cold-One’: Mauby Drink

The Colubrina elliptica tree or Mabi Tree, as it is most commonly known, has many ecological properties such as its incredible ability to purify water and store carbon in its wood. The leaves along with the dried bark are used for making a quite popular drink named Mauby. If you are a fellow Guyanese you most likely would have heard of this drink and tasted it too, unless, of course, you are living under a rock. It is widely consumed in other Caribbean countries as well, namely: Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Grenada, and Barbados. 

My first experience drinking Mauby was not that great but I gradually became quite fond of the drink and it is a favourite choice of mine after having spent a long day out in the sun. It is best when served chilled and along with well-known Guyanese snacks such as eggball, cassava ball, or fish cake. This drink goes well with any dish or snack. Mauby is brown in colour and at first, it may start off sweet but it has a bitter after-taste which may deter some people (as it did me the first time).

Fun fact: In the English Caribbean the drink is called ‘Mauby’ (as it is in Guyana), In the Spanish-speaking Caribbean it’s ‘Mavi’, and in the French Caribbean, ‘Mabi’.

Origin

The exact origin of this drink is unknown but it is safe to assume that since the tree is widely distributed within the tropical regions of Africa and the drink has been popularized through African heritage that it is most likely to have originated in Africa. The drink, however, was made famous in Barbados. The drink has been used for the treatment of ailments and skin diseases. 

Fun fact: Haiti and The Dominican Republic are the main exporters of Mabi tree bark.

Benefits of Mauby

For many decades this drink has been used in folk medicine and people would have made claims about its amazing medical properties. Mauby has been said to be a good aphrodisiac and it can even help with arthritis. Recent studies have shown that it might be able to lower blood pressure. 

1. Helps To Fight Against  Arthritis Pain 

   The swelling and soreness of one or more of your joints are symptoms of arthritis. All forms of arthritis seem to benefit from the anti-inflammatory qualities’ ability to reduce pain and enhance the function of your limbs. Joint stiffness and pain are the primary signs of arthritis, and these symptoms often get worse with age but drinking a cold, glass of mauby can be very beneficial.

2. Reduces Cholesterol

    A high level of cholesterol can lead to heart disease since it creates clogged arteries which could be detrimental to your overall health. One of the leading causes of death in Guyana is ischaemic heart disease. Your chances can be lowered by consuming Mauby. 

3. Lowers Blood Pressure

   According to the WHO in 2020, the total amount of recorded deaths from hypertension was 320 persons. Hypertension is when your blood pressure is higher than normal. The lack of oxygen to the heart or brain can cause a heart attack and even stroke. Certain dietary changes can help to reduce your blood pressure such as cutting back on your salt intake, having daily exercise, and drinking mauby.

4. It Is Considered An Aphrodisiac

   An aphrodisiac is any food that boosts your sex drive. Mauby is said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and even muscle tension. Aphrodisiacs have been used in many cultures to maintain and promote a healthy sex life. 

5. Helps With Weightloss  

   By accelerating the metabolism and limiting the formation of new fat cells, the benefits of mauby aid in the treatment of obesity. Researchers have discovered that mauby is helpful in assisting with weight loss, particularly when paired with caffeine-containing guava leaf tea.

6. Treats Skin Related Diseases

    Hives is a skin condition that is caused when coming in contact with pollen or getting an insect bite. It creates swelling and itchy skin. According to a study, mauby drink can be taken to reduce any inflammation or itching that may occur.

How To Make Mauby Drink

Ingredients: 

• 1 oz Mauby Bark 
  

  Photo of Mauby drink. Photo Source: https://barbados.org/mauby.htm#.Yxqv53bMLIU

• 2 Stick Cinnamon  Sticks 
• 8-10 Cloves 
• 3/4 Tbsp Aniseed 
• 8 Cups of Water for boiling 
• 2 Cups of Water for mixing 
• 2 Cups Cream Soda Drink 
• Sugar to Taste
  

Preparation

1. Add 8 cups of water into a pot over a slow flame and leave to boil.
2. Add mauby bark, cinnamon sticks, cloves, aniseeds, and sugar, and stir.
3. Leave to boil for 10 minutes until it becomes a lovely, brown colour
4. After it is boiled, leave it in the pot to cool for about 5 to 6 hours so that the spices and mauby bark can settle until you get a dark brown colour. 
5. Give it a stir and then strain over a container to ensure that no spices go into it.
6. Stir again until frothy and let it sit for another 6 hours.
7. Serve over ice cubes and enjoy!

Note: Do NOT add too much sugar to your Mauby drink it takes away from the complex flavour of your beverage. 

If you have never tried Mauby, then I highly recommend that you buy a bag or a bottle at a stall in Stabroek Market where many snackettes are never without mauby drink OR you could also purchase mabi bark from the Guyana Marketing Corporation (https://newgmc.gov.gy/product/fresh-packagers-mauby-bark/ ) and follow our recipe to enjoy your home-made Mauby drink. 

Here’s a quick Mauby joke: “Can you tell me a  joke about Mauby?” “Mauby I can, Mauby I won’t.”

References:

•  http://slakethirst.com/2005/04/17/mmmm-mauby/ 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauby
• https://www.simplytrinicooking.com/mauby/ 
• https://healthyhuemans.com/5-amazing-mauby-benefits/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colubrina_elliptica