Do you get a buzz from the herbal tea?
The South American brew is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis tree, which is native to South America. It is abundantly grown in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, the leading producers of the herbal tea extract.
Energy Boost vs Crash
The mental clarity from coffee is an energizing buzz that quickly drops back down leading to a crash. The infusion leaves your head feeling warm and floaty with a steady rise and decline back to normal. It gives you an euphoric feeling that’s similar to eating chocolate.
Social and Ceremonial Aspects
Traditionally, it was designed to be shared as part of a ceremonial experience. The words, Drank, Pass, and Fill form part of this experience. Aside from the modern-day fear of sharing germs, it’s a great way of bonding with a community or with friends.
Practical Use
Drinking the South American brew is as much a practical thing as it is a social one. It is praised for its energy boosting properties and as such is enjoyed as a continuous drink as the day goes on.
Botanical Name and Origin
Ilex paraguariensis, by its botanical name, or the infusion, is a tree that grows in southern countries of South America, mainly Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Preparation Methods
Maybe you’re an aficionado and want to find out another way to prepare “the drink of friendship.” My aim is to make this as simple, no-BS and enjoyable as possible.
Consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. It is ingested in 90% of the country’s households and more than a pound is included monthly in the basic food basket.
What is the Infusion?
It’s an infusion prepared with the leaves of a tree that’s widespread in the forests of South America.
Is it Safe to Drink Everyday?
Is it OK to drink the infusion everyday?
Similar to coffee and tea in America, it is commonly consumed as a morning pick-me-up in South America. However, most South Americans drink it all day long. From the morning to the evening, and sometimes even before bed. It is deeply ingrained in their culture.
It has a lot of caffeine. I can’t understand how people say they drink 1.5- 2 liters a days without any side effects.
Historical Significance
Indigenous South Americans termed the brew as ‘the drinks of the gods’, while European settlers called it ‘the green gold of the Indigos.’
Potential Health Effects
Drinking it isn’t linked to health problems in most adults. Some studies suggest that it may have helpful effects on cholesterol, weight loss, the heart, inflammation and cancer risk. But more research is needed.
In United States, Canada, and Europe, it’s not uncommon for an avid drinker to consume at least 1–2 liters per day. It contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea.
It provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients.
But some studies indicate that people who drink large amounts over long periods may be at increased risk of some cancers, such as cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs.
Home Brewing
Can you make the brew at home?
It can be made in a French press or other methods. The caffeine content compares to coffee. There are potential side effects to drinking it.
The traditional method uses a gourd and bombilla. This yields the best taste and experience. Brewing shows reverence for the practice. A bombilla is a traditional straw. A gourd is passed around to create community bonding.
Why So Addictive?
Why is the South American brew so addictive?
It contains 85 mg of caffeine per 8 oz, slightly less than coffee. But it also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients that boost energy.
Drinking it with others in nature is an important tradition. It creates community and bonding.
For those seeking an ethical, healthy alternative to coffee or Adderall, it is worth trying. The tea has science-backed mental and physical health benefits. And it provides balanced, crash-free energy through the day.