Can I bring yerba mate into the US?

The tea is a popular drink in parts of South America. It is made from the leaves of a holly plant native to the region. The beverage is traditionally consumed in central and southern South America, primarily in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Brazil, and parts of Bolivia and Chile. It was first cultivated and used … Read more

How to Choose Yerba Mate

The 5 Best Yerba Mate Brands Click here to find the 5 best brands, how they taste, and where you can get them. I created a list of the five top brands – must-try for everyone. How Do They Taste? There’s a lot to think about from the different styles, what to buy, what bombilla … Read more

Why is this herbal tea so addictive?

This South American drink is made from the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains caffeine and more antioxidants than any tea-based beverage. The Indigenous Guaraní people of Paraguay, the first to consume this herb, considered it a gift from the gods. Preparation To prepare this drink, put two teaspoons of … Read more

Ilex Mate: Benefits and Brands

Who should not take mate? Mate is an herb like oregano, mint, parsley. The earth has many consumable herbs we enjoy without hesitation. Ilex appears to be an adaptogen, an herb that helps the body adapt to stress. Ilex has a higher caffeine level than green tea. More green tea can balance this out. Ilex … Read more

Is yerba mate acidic or Alkaline?

Yerba mate background The tea is a traditional South American drink made from the dried leaves and stemlets of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It can be served hot or cold. The infusion contains compounds that provide health benefits but may also pose cancer risks if consumed in excess. The indigenous peoples used the herb for … Read more

Yerba Mate: A Popular South American Tea

Do they have this South American plant in Australia? What is Yerba Mate Tea? This caffeinated tea is a traditional drink from South America made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains caffeine as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Indigenous people originally cultivated it in parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and … Read more

How much herb should I use?

The standard serving size is around 50 grams. Using too little can result in a weak drink, while using too much can make it too strong and bitter. Finding the right balance is key. The herb is typically brewed using 10 grams per cup of water. This amount allows for extraction of its beneficial compounds … Read more

Yerba Mansa Medicinal Uses

Yerba mansa is a perennial herb used medicinally. The root and rhizome are used. It grows in wet, alkaline soils in the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico. Yerba mansa has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Traditionally used for respiratory conditions, digestive issues, pain relief, and more. Externally for skin problems. May address chronic inflammation. Combinations … Read more

Yerba Mate

Who should not take yerba mate? In the U.S., this herbal tea is widely available. People who recommend it say that it can relieve fatigue, aid in weight loss, ease depression, and help treat headaches. There’s limited evidence that it may help with some of these conditions. What does it taste like? Strong, bitter, and … Read more

Traditional Yerba Mate Brewing

For a traditional unsmoked yerba mate like Eco Teas, it’s recommended to use water that is around 160-170°F (70-75°C). This temperature range allows the delicate flavors of the mate to shine without extracting any bitter or astringent notes. Avoid using boiling water, as it can scorch the leaves. By adjusting the water temperature, you can … Read more