Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is the Amazonian cousin of yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis), both being mildly stimulating rainforest holly trees. While guayusa provides similar energy and health benefits as maté, it has a very different taste that is silky and clean with a sweet finish. Guayusa contains 15 essential amino acids and ferulic acid, which can help improve blood circulation, as well as twice the antioxidants as green tea.
Traditionally, indigenous Kichwa families in the Ecuadorian Amazon wake up before dawn and gather around a communal fire to drink gourds of stimulating guayusa tea. During this early-morning ritual, community members share dreams, myths, and legends. Several myths recount how the guayusa plant taught human beings how to dream, and throughout the morning shamans interpret dreams from the previous night. Hunters also drink guayusa before nighttime hunting trips in order to heighten their senses, increasing their awareness and focus. Drinking guayusa enables them to get in touch with the surrounding environment, allowing them to hunt safely in the jungle. For this reason guayusa is known as "The Night Watchman."
Learn more about this Amazonian plant: https://www.happyherbcompany.com/herbs/guayusa/
Guayusa Tea Bag
Preparation: Brew the teabag by steeping in a cup of boiling water for 3-5 mins. Sweeten if desired.
Produced in: Australia using local and imported ingredients. Usually from Peru
Organic Status: Wild harvested where possible.
Vegan Friendly
For specific herb contraindications, see our detailed herb information site.
Happy Herb Co provides referenced information for educational purposes only, and does not make any therapeutic claims for any of their products.
Please seek advice from a healthcare provider if you wish to use herbs for therapeutic purposes.
