Tahuar is probably tahuari (Tabebuia spp.), cumaleba might be cumaceba (Swartzia polyphylla), and chuchuas is most likely chuchuhuasi (Maytenus macrocarpa). All of these are strong durable hardwoods used in construction for posts, supports, and uprights, and therefore -- note the doctrine of signatures -- considered to be male potency enhancers, both for treatment of erectile dysfunction and as a general tonic.

Chuchuhuasi in particular is an ingredient in a wide variety of male potency enhancers with colorful names -- Rompecalzón, Rip-Your-Shorts; Levántate Lázaro, Arise Lazarus!; Para Para, Stand Up! Stand Up!; Tumba Hembra, Knock Her Over; Siete Veces Sin Sacar, Seven Times without Pulling Out. Empirical studies of efficacy, I am sad to say, are lacking.

On the street you can buy a drink simply called chuchuhuasi, which is a maceration of chuchuhuasi bark in aguardiente, and abejachado, the chuchuhuasi drink with honey added. General tonics such as Siete Raíces, Seven Roots, and Veintiun Raíces, Twenty-one Roots, often contain chuchuhuasi and thus claim potency enhancement along with their numerous other benefits. The term raíces is metaphorical, since most of the ingredients are tree bark rather than roots. Siete Raíces,which has a high alcohol content and a rich woody taste, actually makes a very nice apéritif before dinner.

Please use these herbs wisely, and only for good.

-- Steve