Origin
The herb is a popular plant used to make tea. It originated from indigenous tribes in South America who used it for stamina and medicine. It remains a beloved drink across countries like Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It is often consumed in place of coffee.
Storage
To keep it fresh, store the herb in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dark, dry area. Proper storage can maintain the flavor and aroma for 1-2 years past its expiration date.
You can also freeze it if you plan to drink it over an extended period. Freezing prevents moisture buildup and mold growth.
Preparation
When drinking the tea, use about half the volume of your gourd. Loose leaf in a gourd makes more servings than tea bags. The gourd can be continuously refilled, perfect for sharing.
It has become popular in canned or bottled beverages for on-the-go drinking. Beyond a daily habit, drinking it together forges social and cultural connections. It represents heritage and tradition for many South Americans.
Unopened Packages
When stored properly in a cool, dark, dry place, unopened packages can last 1-2 years past its printed expiration date.
Opened Packages
Opened packages can last for months refrigerated in an airtight container. Freezing is also an option for long term storage.
Aged Herb
Aged the herb develops more complex, nuanced flavors over time. Signs of spoiled herb include discoloration, musty or moldy smells, and changes in taste.
The tea can be brewed hot or cold. It has an earthy, bitter, grassy flavor. Most people drink it socially throughout the day from gourds or other containers, adding more hot water as needed.
Drinking the tea isn’t linked to health problems in most adults. Some studies suggest it may have helpful effects on cholesterol, weight loss, the heart, inflammation and cancer risk. But more research is needed. Some studies link drinking large amounts for a long time to a higher risk of some cancers.
Upon consumption the tea can help to maintain a balanced sleep cycle and stay awake longer time. It is the best energy drink with anti-oxidant properties and support against various health benefits.
The tea contains these nutrients in a small amount, so you’d have to drink it continuously for several weeks or months in order to notice any effect. Long term use leads to clearer results.
The caffeine in it is lower than coffee, but higher than tea, averaging at about 85 mg caffeine/8 oz of drink. That’s a whole lot if you’re drinking several servings throughout the day, and continuously replenishing the leaves. The caffeine helps your body’s reflexes, and improves alertness, including mental focus.
It has the same amount of caffeine as coffee does, but it does not make the drinker jittery. Unless you are super sensitive to caffeine, you will feel the body and mind stimulation long after drinking it. Coffee drinkers, however, often suffer a caffeine crash at some point. It has adaptogenic properties, which means it can regulate the body’s systems.