This herbal infusion is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The leaves are dried over fire and brewed with hot or cold water. It is served in a wooden and metal cup, a hollow calabash gourd or an animal horn called guampa.
This tea provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It offers many mental and physical health benefits. Billions of people start the day with coffee or tea, but in some parts of the world, people wake up with this infusion. It’s said to offer the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate.
The plant grows best in the shade of the rainforest. Drinking very hot maté at high temperatures is connected to higher cancer risks, likely due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are carcinogenic. Pregnant women should speak to their doctors before drinking this tea since too much caffeine increases miscarriage and low birth weight risks.
Usage
South Americans safely drink 1-4 liters of maté per day. In North America and Europe, it’s common for an avid drinker to consume at least 1-2 liters per day. This is one of the few plants that naturally produce caffeine. It’s a great herbal alternative to coffee whether making it hot or cold.
Product Varieties
If you’re new to tea, you may prefer a blend with fewer stems. If you’re a fan of green tea, you may enjoy a traditional brew. We’ve chosen teas to represent the best of maté and explain why you should incorporate this into daily life. Although commonly compared to green tea, in the strictest sense of the definition, it is an herbal tea, but not a green or black tea.
Health Risks
Drinking very hot yerba mate at high temperatures is connected to higher cancer risks. It may be due to carcinogenic PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). You may also experience side effects of too much caffeine if you drink high amounts, such as migraines and high blood pressure.
Origin
The herb is native to South America, where it’s incredibly popular as a hot beverage. It’s thought to enhance stamina. The seeds apparently only germinate after being digested by specific native birds. This makes commercial cultivation more difficult and the herb more precious.
Benefits
- Similar to nutrients found in tea that promote a sense of calm
- Shares properties with green tea
Alternatives
This tea is a good alternative to coffee or regular tea if you are looking for extra energy, and it could also help with blood lipid levels and weight loss.
Consumption depends on personal tolerance and preference. Some consider this an adaptogenic herb. South Americans may consume up to 4 liters daily.
The plant is native to South America. The youngest, greenest leaves are collected, dried over a fire and used to make the tea. The type of yerba mate and the temperature of the water impact the flavor.
Cultural Significance
Drinking this tea is deeply ingrained in South American culture. But it should be consumed in moderation as overuse may increase disease risks. While more research is needed, regularly drinking large amounts for long periods may increase chances of mouth, throat or lung cancer, due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) also found in tobacco and grilled meat.
So while similar in some ways to coffee or tea, this herbal infusion stands out for its unique flavor profile, ritual of preparation and potential health perks. It makes for an adventurous, nutritious beverage for tea lovers and health seekers alike.