For at least two centuries, the Garífuna arrived on the coast of Honduras and transmitted their culture to the local population, among these customs the recipes like Guiffity, which was the beverage prepared by their ancestors.
Something about its preparation
Guiffity was originally prepared in a bottle where boiling water was poured, along with "palo de hombre" roots, pepper, chamomile, cloves, and other spices to treat various ailments.
Although attempts have been made to copy the Garífuna recipe, it has not been possible; the original recipe is kept as a cultural secret.
It is believed to contain coca or marijuana, which would explain its energizing properties, but to date, the full contents of this cultural beverage remain unknown. This drink emerged out of the community’s need for medicinal remedies in the absence of medical professionals.
In tradition
For the Garífuna, Guiffity has healing properties, and this belief has been passed down to the rest of the Honduran population.
Its uses have been varied, from treating fever, reducing menstrual and muscle pain.
The Garífuna community attributes to Guiffity the longevity of its members, as well as their good health, and clarifies that although this beverage is consumed for medicinal purposes, it can also be enjoyed as an intoxicant; the recommended intake is three small sips a day.
Today, it continues to be taken as a medicinal drink and remains a cultural emblem of Honduras.
