YERBA MATè GREEN HERBAL TEA

This evergreen shrub found in South America is famed for its invigorating effect. It is drunk there usually from a hollowed out gourd and special silver straw. As with green tea, it is a great source of antioxidants and helpful in times of fasting. Yerba Mate's Latin name is Ilex paraguariensis and it is a species of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae). Yerba mate contains three xanthines: caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, the main one being caffeine. This may explain its reputation for staying alert! Its stimulating effect lasts longer than that of coffee. Interestingly, a short infusion time brings about a more stimulating effect, whilst longer weakens it. in South America Mate tea is also called "Beverage of the Gods". Drinking Mate out of one cup was something ritual with the native Indians. Later Brazilian Mat� became the most popular drink of the Gauchos, the South American cowboys. Mostly enjoyed outside at the campfire, it became the national drink in almost every country on the continent over the years. If you like this you may also like to try Ku Ding Wild Tea, another relative of the holly bush, from China. Have you tried sweetening herbal tea with natural liquorice root or Stevia leaf?