Maté

Scientific names: Ilex paraguariensis

Common names: Matéï¿½ also is known as yerba matéï¿½, Paraguay tea, St. Bartholomew's tea, and Jesuit's tea.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

●...Little exposure or very minor concerns.

What is Maté?

Maté itself is a beverage, rather than a plant. It is prepared from the leathery leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a species of holly found in Central and South America. The harvested leaves are dried, then powdered to produce the tea. Mateacute; has a faintly aromatic smell and the flavor is astringent and smoky.

What is Maté used for?

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses

Yerba maté was used as a beverage by ancient Indians in Brazil and Paraguay. The plant Ilex paraguariensis first was cultivated by Jesuit missionaries. Consumption of maté is common in Brazil, south of the Amazon, and in Paraguay and Argentina. In those areas, the beverage largely replaces coffee and tea. Preparations also are available in the US, where they are sold in health food stores.

Traditionally, yerba maté is served in a small gourd called a maté. It is consumed through a drinking tube, or bombilla, also with a filter attached to the lower end to prevent consumption of the leaf fragments. Leaves are prepared for use by plunging them briefly into hot water, drying them in a brick oven and fragmenting them. The beverage is prepared by putting hot water and sugar in the gourd. The leaves then are placed in a gourd and the gourd is filled with boiling water. Burnt sugar, lemon juice, or milk may be used to flavor the infusion.

Yerba maté contains many types of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates include sucrose, raffinose, glucose, and levulose. Vitamins and carotenoids present in maté include vitamins C, B1, and B5, nicotinic acid, and carotene. Analysis of minerals present in maté show high content of K, Mg, and Mn. Other minerals present include Na, Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn. It is reported that in colonial times, some South Americans consumed a diet consisting almost exclusively of meat. The absence of vitamin deficiencies has been attributed to the vitamins present in the widely consumed yerba maté.

Miscellaneous uses

Yerba maté is a vitamin- and caffeine-containing beverage that serves as a centrally-acting stimulant. It is used as a diuretic and depurative (to promote cleansing and excretion of waste).

What is the dosage of Maté?

Yerba maté is widely used as a beverage. Therapeutic use of yerba maté for fatigue has been recommended at 3 g daily.

Is Maté safe?

Contraindications

Contraindications have not yet been identified. Because of the caffeine content, teas made from this plant should be used with caution by persons with high blood pressure, diabetes, or ulcer disease.

Pregnancy/nursing

Documented adverse effects. Avoid use. Caffeine consumption should be restricted. May cause birth defects or premature birth.

Interactions

None well documented.

Side Effects

Heavy use may increase risk of esophageal cancer, especially in women.

Toxicities

Contaminants in yerba maté tea have led to toxicities.

References