Yerba Mate (pronounced yer-bah mah-tay) is an ancient South American drink made by steeping dried Ilex paraguariensis leaves found between 18deg S latitude and 25deg S latitude, in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Guarani tribes used it as both social and spiritual beverage prior to Jesuit missionaries’ arrival during the 17th century; many South American tribes still enjoy drinking it today and it has gained increasing popularity within the US health food stores stocked with loose leaves or ready-to-drink cans!

Contrary to coffee, which can trigger acid reflux and other digestive issues, yerba mate does not produce such side effects. Furthermore, its moderation allows it to avoid the jitters or crashes associated with too much caffeine intake; furthermore, yerba mate contains more antioxidants and less caffeine than coffee which could potentially increase energy and promote heart health benefits.

Brewing yerba mate yields a pleasant blend of smooth sweetness with just a hint of bitterness, perfect for enjoyment plain or with sugar, honey, lemon zest or mint for extra flavour. A traditional method involves filling three quarters of the internal volume of a gourd with ground yerba mate leaves before pouring hot water (60-80 degC) over them in order to create an infuser which should then be held upright and gently tapped before ingestion.

To ensure the leaves are fully submerged in liquid, the brewing process must be repeated two or three times and then filtered and ready for drinking. Yerba mate boasts an abundance of beneficial compounds including naturally occurring stimulants like theophylline and theobromine that work to affect brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine without producing the jitters or crashes associated with excessive caffeine intake.

Not only does yerba mate provide essential nutrients, it also contains powerful anti-oxidants and theobromine, an agent which dilates blood vessels to help improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Together these substances may reduce cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and overall cardiovascular wellness.

As with any beverage, yerba mate should be consumed in moderation to prevent anxiety and insomnia symptoms as well as headaches and stomach upset. Drinking too much may increase these risks as well as cause headaches and stomach upsets. Avoid mixing yerba mate with other stimulants like coffee or soda as this could result in an unpleasant caffeine-caffeine interaction that could increase blood pressure and cause complications. People with certain medical conditions should also speak to their healthcare provider prior to consuming yerba mate, such as pregnant women or those living with conditions such as liver or kidney disease, cardiovascular issues or gastrointestinal disorders. A physician may advise against mate consumption altogether or prescribe a lower dosage.