Many Filipinos still believe in love potions. That’s why these potions are still widely available—not just in Quiapo, but also online. However, many people still question if they are truly effective. Let’s explore some research to better understand how these practices began and how our ancestors used them.
Before the arrival of colonizers, our ancestors believed that every object was inhabited by a spiritual essence or beings invisible to the naked eye. This belief led to the creation of spells and charms that they used to aid them in their daily lives. One example is the Jumaya, a type of love potion from the Visayas used by women to capture the hearts of their beloved. It also has an antidote known as buringot.
The lumay was traditionally used as incense to smoke the clothes of the person one wished to enchant. It was often sold by the Negritos back then. What began as a simple liquid mixed into food or drink evolved over time, showcasing the creativity of our ancestors.
After further research, I discovered that there is a place in Surigao del Norte where medicinal plants like Dischidia leaves and Pandan seeds are also used to make love potions. This proves that, apart from Siquijor, other places in the Philippines also create love potions.
If you're considering buying a love potion or requesting a ritual from a love spellcaster, make sure to read this first to avoid common mistakes: https://www.babaylanadlaw.com/p/love-spell-types.html
