What Is Imbiza? Imbiza Yamadoda and Umachamisa Explained

Many South Africans grew up hearing about imbiza. Some drink it to feel clean and strong, while others have never tried it and want to know what it is. In this guide, we explain what the word means, what imbiza yamadoda and umachamisa are, how it is used, and how to choose a tonic safely.

What does imbiza mean?

Imbiza is the isiZulu word for a clay pot. Over time, the word also came to mean the herbal tonic brewed in that pot. Traditionally, a herbalist or inyanga boils a mix of roots, bark and leaves in water, and the dark liquid is drunk in small amounts. Researchers who studied one such mixture from KwaZulu-Natal describe it as roots, bulbs, rhizomes and leaves from several plants, boiled together (Ndhlala and others, 2009).

Today, many of these tonics are sold ready-made in bottles, so there is nothing to boil or prepare. However, every maker uses a different recipe, so two tonics with the same name can contain very different herbs.

What is imbiza used for?

In tradition, people drink it as a cleansing tonic and for energy and general wellbeing. Some tonics are made for men, others for women, and others for the whole family.

That said, there are very few scientific studies on these tonics. As a result, nobody can promise what a particular tonic will do, and results differ from person to person. It is a traditional herbal product, not a medicine, and it should not replace treatment from a doctor or clinic.

What is imbiza yamadoda?

Imbiza yamadoda means imbiza for men. These tonics are traditionally used by men for strength, stamina and vitality. Many of them include well-known herbs such as Mpesu, the root of the Venda violet tree, and Umdolofiya, the prickly pear.

What is umachamisa?

The name umachamisa comes from the isiZulu word chama, which means to pass urine. Umachamisa tonics are traditionally drunk as cleansing tonics that make you go to the toilet more often. For this reason, drink enough water while you use one, and do not use it if you have kidney disease unless your doctor agrees.

Is imbiza the same as Mpesu?

No. Mpesu is one herb, while imbiza is a mixed tonic that may or may not contain Mpesu. Our MpesuMax tonic is an imbiza yamadoda that combines Mpesu with Umdolofiya. To learn more about the herb itself, read what is Mpesu.

Please also note that Imbiza is the brand name of a range of tonics sold in some pharmacies. Our products are not made by that brand.

Is imbiza safe?

Strong herbs can cause side effects, especially if you take too much. Therefore, keep these points in mind:

• Only buy a labelled tonic that lists its herbs and directions, from a seller you can contact.
• Follow the dose on the label, and never take more to speed things up.
• Do not drink several herbal tonics or Mpesu products at the same time.
• Do not give these tonics to children.
• Stop using it and see a doctor if you feel unwell.

Do not use imbiza yamadoda, or speak to a doctor first, if you:

• are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding;
• are under 18;
• take blood thinners such as warfarin, or are allergic to aspirin;
• have stomach ulcers, or kidney or liver disease;
• take chronic medication for diabetes, blood pressure or a heart condition.

For more detail, read our guide to Mpesu side effects and safety.

Our men’s tonics

• MpesuMax Libido Tonic with Umdolofiya (200ml): a ready-to-drink Mpesu and Umdolofiya tonic.
• MpesuMax Libido Tonic with Umdolofiya (200ml), 3-Pack: the same tonic in a value pack.
• BigJohn Xtreme men’s tonic, 12 x 1 litre and 24 x 250ml: wholesale packs for shops and resellers.

Every order is packed in a plain, unbranded box and delivered door to door across South Africa. Delivery is free on orders over R750.

Frequently asked questions

What does imbiza do to the body?

Traditionally, people drink it to cleanse the body and for energy. Because recipes differ and there is little research, the effect depends on the herbs in the tonic and on the person. Read the label to see what is inside.

How do I drink it?

Shake the bottle and follow the directions on the label. Each tonic has its own dose, so do not use the dose from one product for another. For our MpesuMax tonic, see how to use Mpesu.

Can women drink imbiza yamadoda?

Imbiza yamadoda is made for men. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding should not drink it. For more, read our guide to Mpesu for women.

More guides

• What is Mpesu?
• Umdolofiya benefits for men
• Mpesu price and where to buy