How to Enjoy Yerba Mate

Yerba Maté

Yerba maté (botanical description) is a shade subtropical member of the holly family that thrives in its native rainforest environment. The combination of humidity and cool temperatures from the shady canopy above, in concert with the rich organic soil below, nurtures the natural slow growth of the yerba maté plants and produces a premium-quality yerba maté unsurpassed in flavor and unrivaled in quality. Equally important, the rainforest canopy is home to hundreds of bird species.

Yerba maté is a powerful rejuvenator enjoyed as the national drink of Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. The Gauchos (Argentine cowboys) drink maté as their "liquid vegetable", relying on its array of nutrients to power them throughout the day. People have survived periods of drought and famine drinking yerba maté and revere it as the drink of the gods. In Argentina, yerba maté is consumed 7 to 1 over coffee, and is believed to lift the spirit: "Te levanta el espíritu." This legendary beverage has become the symbol of hospitality and is shared traditionally in a maté gourd to inspire community.Tonics are the substances provided by Nature for the repair and maintenance of normal physiology. Yerba maté is considered a whole-body tonic - it goes where the body needs it most and restores balance to body systems that are under stress.

Induces Mental Clarity

Dr. Mowrey, Ph.D., states that, "Better than any other xanthine alkaloid, maté has the ability to quicken the mind" and "increase mental alertness and acuity." He adds that, "like other xanthines, it stimulates the central nervous system but, unlike most, it is not habituating or addicting."

Sustains Energy Levels

The metabolic effects of maté include the ability to maintain aerobic breakdown of carbohydrates during exercise for long periods of time. As a result, more calories are burned, thereby increasing cardiac efficiency and delaying the build-up of lactic acid.

Boosts the Immune System

Yerba maté leaves have been found to contain a group of known and novel saponins. These phytochemicals stimulate the immune system, aiding the body in protecting against disease.

Helps Relieve Allergies

Linda Rector Page, N.D., Ph.D., notes that yerba maté is helpful in opening respiratory passages to overcome allergy symptoms. Shown to reduce the severity of some allergies and hay fever, yerba maté works by stimulating the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids, which help suppress the inflammation and immune response due to allergies.

Aids Weight Loss

In Europe maté is used for weight loss "as the ideal slimming remedy which facilitates losing weight in a natural way and stills the distressing feelings of hunger," according to Max Witchl in Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Clinical evidence also suggests that yerba maté may be useful as an antidiabetic agent, as it seems to slow the development of hyperglycemia (excess sugar in the blood). Researchers at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England, found that maté reduced the abnormal appetite and thirst, as well as weight loss, associated with diabetes.
Improves Digestion

Dr. Mowrey, Ph.D., notes, "Reported effects range from the immediate improvement in digestion to the ability to repair damaged and diseased gastrointestinal tissues. Constipation, acute or chronic, can easily be overcome through the use of maté." He also states that yerba maté is useful as a therapy for gastrointestinal disorders.

Traditional Indigenous Herbalism
Traditionally, the Paraguayans use yerba maté as the herbal base for their daily herbal medicine mixtures. Yuyeras (herbalists) sell herbs to make remedios (herbal remedies) in the maté gourd. As an herbal base, yerba maté acts as a catalyst to enhance the healing powers of other herbs. By improving healthy circulation and promoting balance, maté helps assimilate other herbs into the body. South Americans drink maté as a daily tonic for optimum health.

How to Drink Yerba Maté

Loose Maté Preparation

Yerba maté brews with any standard coffee or tea method. The finer the filter, the better. We recommend one heaping Tablespoon per serving. Adjust as necessary. First moisten the maté with cool water, then use hot, not boiling, water, to protect the nutrients and flavor.

French Press

Place 3-4 Tablespoons of yerba maté in the French Press (use more or less depending on desired strength). Add enough cool water to moisten the maté. Then add hot water. Steep for 3-10 minutes. The longer, the stronger.

Coffee Maker

Place yerba maté in filter basket. Add enough cool water to moisten the maté. Then run the machine as usual. Espresso Maker Guayakí Yerba Maté brews well in most espresso makers. Place yerba maté in the espresso portafilter. Add enough cool water to moisten the maté. Run the machine as usual, brewing it as a double shot. Makes a great latté.

Traditional Maté Gourd and Bombilla

Yerba maté is shared traditionally in a maté gourd to inspire community. A maté gourd is a dried, hollowed-out vegetable gourd (Lageenaria vulgaris) that has been hand-carved by an artist with great care.

Tea Pot or Tea Ball

Add loose maté to tea pot and moisten with cool water before adding hot water. The maté will sink to the bottom in a few minutes. Pour through a fine metal mesh strainer if there is not one built into the tea pot. (When using a tea ball, a fine-mesh filter is most effective.) This method also works great with a reusable tea sack.

You may purchase Split Bean Coffee's Yerba Mate by visiting our web site. We carry two selections - Traditional (with stems) and Without Stems Blend. We also carry a fine selection of micro-roasted coffees, alfajores, marshmallows and artisan quality sweets.

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