Yerba mate, or Ilex paraguariensis, was formerly used in ceremonies and was called “the drink of the gods” by Guarani natives in Paraguay. It certainly earned its bold title. With golden color tones and bright and earthy flavors, yerba mate gets you moving, feeling vital and full of strength.
From slow to super human
In the herbal world, we call the way an herb communicates and interacts with our bodies an “herbal action,” and yerba mate is packed with herbs! It is used as a tonic, meaning many can benefit from consistent and long-term use. It has bitter properties, so it supports healthy enzyme production and healthy digestion. Its ability to support a balanced inflammatory response speaks to its affinity with brain health and overall well-being. Yerba mate supports cognitive function, positive mood, memory and optimal function of all organs. When our inflammatory response is healthy and balanced, the rest of our body will follow suit. It is also rich in free radical scavengers, so it helps protect our bodies against environmental pollutants and oxidative stress. It contains natural caffeine and leaves the acidity of coffee. It contains less caffeine than coffee per serving, but doesn’t skimp on supporting energy and endurance. Yerba mate is all about steady and steady energy, not the buzz and crash energy.
The story of the tea
Yerba mate was first used by the indigenous Guarani of South America. They used the leaves as currency and drank it as tea for cultural and health reasons. Traditionally it is enjoyed with a dried gourd as a cup and a bombilla as a special straw. The type of gourd used varies by region, but most serve the same valuable function: they enhance the flavor of yerba mate. The cup is slightly softer on the inside, allowing it to absorb and release the rich flavors of the leaf. The bombilla straw has strainer holes at one end, blocking the leaf bits for smooth sips! These mate gourds are still used today and really enhance the yerba mate tea drinking experience. The tea can also be drunk chilled and is nowadays canned or bottled as flavored and stimulating drinks. The benefits also come in other forms. Yerba mate is found in capsules and tinctures that can be taken as a supplement. The tincture captures its famous flavors and can be added to hot water for a tea-like experience.
The tree
Yerba mate trees need moist air and nutrient-rich soil to grow. They grow naturally in the southern countries of South America, but have also been introduced to Hawaii. The fruit that grows on the tree is a small red berry, similar in appearance to a cranberry. The leaves are longer in shape and vibrant green with serrated edges. The dried leaf is used for consumption. There are few ways to prepare the leaf. It is harvested in a traditional way and then dried over a wood fire (smoked) or air-dried (unsmoked). Both processes will change the taste of the leaf slightly, but the leaf will still contain all the beneficial compounds that support our body and mind.
If you want to try yerba mate tea from the mate gourd, you can easily purchase one online. Here you can see how to do that:
- Fill a yerba mate squash ⅔ with loose yerba mate.
- Tap the loose yerba mate aside to create a well.
- Moisten the well with cold water.
- Insert a bombilla straw into the well.
- Pour small amounts of hot water into the well at a time.
- Sip and enjoy!
Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women’s health. She strives to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of living. She studied herbal medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the customer journey leader at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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