Yerba Mate

Yerba Maté – Ilex paraguarensis

Family – Aquifoliaceae

Other names – Jesuit’s Tea, Brazil Tea, Paraguay Herb

History

Mate can be found growing wild in Northern Argentina, Paraguay and Southern Brazil. It is a common stimulant tea, that in drunk in the Amazon. The name Yerba means ‘par excellence’, Maté is derived from the vessel in which it was infused. It is sucked through a silver tube, with a bulb strainer at the end and the cup is passed around.

Description

Large white flowering shrub to 6m that grows wild near streams. Leaves are alternate, large, oval or lanceolate and broadly toothed. The red fruit is a drupe the size of peppergrain.

Cultivation

It is cultivated in Argentina, Spain and Portugal. They traditionally are heated over a wood fire, ground and then are stored in sacks for a year before being sold.  

Parts Used

The leaves are picked when the berries are ripe.

Constituents

Xanthine derivatives including 1.5% Caffeine, 0.2% Theobromine, theophylline.

16% Tannin, ash and insoluble matter.

Actions

·         Laxative

·         Diuretic

·         Tonic

·         Diaphoretic

·         Stimulant

·         Mild analgesic

Indications

Yerba mate is known mostly as a central nervous system stimulant which does contain caffeine. It is not alone in its caffeine content it also has antioxidants, polyphenols, as well as vitamins and minerals. In fact it has 90% more antioxidants than green tea, so it makes a healthy and uplifting drink.

It does boost immunity and like all antioxidants, reduces the effects of aging and prevents disease. These antioxidants will also help to move fats in the blood and thereby will support the reduction of cholesterol and fats on the artery walls. It does have a use in reducing blood clots that can cause stroke or a heart attack.

It is said to reduce appetite and increase intellectual vigour. This is why it is used for weight loss for the South American people. Drinking the tea after eating will help your stomach to stay fuller longer.

The tea will increase short-term physical and mental energy levels, as well as enhancing physical endurance.

It is drunk in much the same way as conventional tea (camellia sinensis) is. It stimulates the nervous and digestive systems and is mildly analgesic and diuretic.

It will increase the production of bile and other gastric acids and also help aid digestion.

Drinking the tea has shown an increase in mental clarity and focus, though without the fidgety caffeine side effects.

This tea is taken for its tonic, laxative, diuretic and muscle relaxant properties.

Its uses medicinally are for the treatment of headaches, migraine, neuralgic and rheumatic pain, as well as fatigue and mild depression.

It has also been used in the treatment of diabetes.

Dosage

1-2g of dried herb as an infusion or tea

Cautions

Drinking the tea with meals can impair absorption of nutrients due to the high tannin content. It is best drunk after meals.

http://www.driedherbsonline.com/individual-medicinal-herbs/mate-yerba-mate-ilex-paraguariensis/