Guayusa

Guayusa (ilex guayusa), a species of the holly genus and cousin of yerba mate, grows predominantly in the Amazon region of Ecuador.  The leaves of these guayusa trees are plucked and dried to develop flavor.  Traditionally, the Jivaro Indians (known for their technique of shrinking heads) and the Kichwa tribe brew and drink guayusa at dawn for sustained energy and mental alertness.

Guayusa has a high caffeine content, about 60 mg per 8 oz cup.   However, guayusa, like tea, also contains l-theanine, an amino acid that produces a calming effect and alleviates jitters.  Following is a comparison of caffeine content:

Brewed Beverage             Average caffeine per 8 oz cup

Coffee                                90 - 150 mg

Tea                                     15 - 50   mg

Guayusa                              40 - 80  mg

Yerba mate                         30 - 60  mg                           

Guayusa has been shown to contain a high amount of antioxidants.  There are several unsubstantiated health claims about drinking guayusa, which is also said to induce lucid dreaming.

Guayusa

To make a cup of guayusa, steep 3 grams of dried leaves in 8 oz hot water for 5 minutes.  Guayusa is surprisingly smooth and complex.  Its flavors are interesting: sweet, moist, mossy and mineral.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate (iles paraguariensis), a species of the holly family, is cultivated in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.  Mate made from dried yerba mate leaves and stems is a widely popular beverage in these countries.

Yerba Mate

Modern mate cup and bombilla

The uniqueness of mate is its traditional or cultural way of preparation and consumption.  In a nutshell,

• Fill a cup made from gourd, wood, metal or ceramic over half full with dried yerba mate leaves.  
• Flip, shake but not stir to have the leaves lopsided on one side of the cup and larger stems on top.
• Put a bombilla (a special straw) in the hollow space of the cup.
• Pour some cool water in the space.   Add hot water (around 80°C) after the cool water is absorbed.   
• Sip mate from the bombilla and continue to refill the cup with hot water.   
• As a communal drink, continue to refill the cup with hot water and pass it around until the flavor is gone.   It is usually one refill/brew per person.    

Mate contains caffeine or matteine.   It is earthy and grassy.  The first brew is very strong and can be slightly bitter.

Mate