Peru’s All-Curing Frog Juice Further Endangers Telmatobius Culeus Species

In parts of Peru, there is an unorthodox remedy that locals believe is the cure-all for stress, libido, energy and more! It's a special juice made of one special ingredient: frogs.

The only problem with this concoction is that it requires using an endangered species of frogs. The Associated Press reports that Peruvians use the Telmatobius culeus species, which habitats the remote Lake Titicaca, and the water frog is labeled as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Despite its endangered status, the frog is the key component to the juice and the whole frog is used while making the beverage. While locals in Peru and Bolivia believe it is the remedy of a wide array of conditions — including asthma and bronchitis — science has yet to find any evidence suggesting the drink is healthy.

How is the drink made? A frog is killed, peeled and placed in a blender with carrots, honey, and the Peruvian maca root. After blended well, a light green juice is formed.