Yerba Mate

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a subtropical native evergreen tree that grows up to a height of 32-35 feet. It commences as a shrub and then matures into an evergreen tree with serrated and caffeinated leaves and small greenish-white flowers.

Its leaves are of immense importance and have been used for centuries to make teas and beverages. It is heavily cultivated in Paraguay and certain parts of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Its popularity has made it the traditional tea of South America where its dried leaves and twigs are brewed and consumed from a gourd (a special container). The metal straw used to sip on it contains a filter to enjoy the drink without having to deal with plant material. 

Yerba mate is a storehouse of several nutrients and health-promoting antioxidants. It reduces the risk of the onset of many diseases. It boosts mental health and gives you the strength you require to keep up with everyday tasks. Several clinical trials have shown that people consuming yerba mate tea have improved alertness and short recall time. It imparts anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic (anti-cholesterol), antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antidiarrheal, and immunomodulatory effects. It also lowers blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin signals and protects against heart diseases. 

Yerba mate can be grown both indoors and outdoors during summers when the temperature of your region goes over 60 degrees. It is important to note that yerba loves to thrive in a warm climate so if your area receives harsh winters, it can destroy your outdoor plants.

Though yerba can tolerate slightly cold temperatures but that survival period doesn’t last long and it succumbs to death. 

It is recommended to start yerba with mature, semi-wood cutting. It is dipped in rooting hormone before implantation. Starting it with seeds is kind of havoc as it takes around 6 months to 1 year to germinate.

It flowers from late fall to early winter which is followed by pollination and fertilization to produce tiny red berries that bear seeds for the perpetuation of its life cycle.

Yerba mate can be harvested at any time of the year after a good long interval of 3-4 years. 

The leaves and twigs of yerba mate are harvested using a sharp pair of scissors or gardening shears.

After harvesting yerba leaves, they begin to oxidize and lose their fragrance, color, and nutrients. They are immediately subjected to direct heat of temperature 212 degrees. The toasted yerba mate is then crushed after drying and stored in an airtight container for later use.

Yerba mate is used to prepare various herbal medicinal preparations to achieve its significant health benefits.

• Tincture : Dried yerba mate leaves are macerated in alcohol for 4 to 6 weeks to form a concentrated tincture.
• Tea : Yerba mate dried leaves and twigs can be steeped in hot water for 5-10 minutes to make a tea.
• Syrup : Dried leaves of yerba mate can be infused in hot sugar solution to form a simmer.

Note: Do not boil yerba mate leaves in water or any other solution. Always perform a steep/soak method to reap the most of its benefits.