How many times can you use the same herb?
The South American plant can be brewed multiple times, allowing you to get the most out of your tea leaves. However, it’s important to know when to stop reusing them. The maximum rebrewing limit is typically three to four times. After that, the leaves lose potency and flavor. Brewing techniques play a role in determining reuse. Proper steeping and temperature preserve flavor and aroma.
Safety Concerns
When taken in large amounts for long periods, the herb is possibly unsafe, increasing cancer risk, especially for people who smoke or drink alcohol.
How Often To Refill
Depending on gourd size and amount used, it can be refilled 10 to 30 times. You can refill as needed until flavor is gone. But reusing leftover from the previous day is different. If you couldn’t finish your gourd and leave it til the next day, it’s not safe to drink.
Comparison to Coffee
The caffeine in the South American plant acts differently than coffee. It lacks coffee’s jittery side effects. It has a stimulating yet calming effect.
Determining When It’s Done
You know it is done when the flavor is gone.
Water Temperature
What happens if the water is too cold? Although you can drink it with cold water, it is called tereré and is not just a cold drink. The taste of the water should also not overpower the flavor. Use clean water, avoiding tap water unless you’re sure it’s great quality. You can also use purified or spring water.
Metabolism-Boosting Benefits
The herb contains more caffeine than green tea so offers more metabolism-boosting benefits.
Staying Awake
Drinking the South American tea helps stay awake longer. Its effects can last around 3-5 hours. Individual tolerance impacts this; those sensitive to caffeine may feel effects for less time than others. Consuming too much can cause jitteriness, anxiety and insomnia, so it’s important not to overdo it.
Storage
Properly stored, it can stay fresh for up to one year. To check freshness, inspect the dry leaves and brew a small sample.