Herb Profile: Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis)
Tea made from this herb is very popular in South America, the only source of the plant. Maté is an evergreen with white flowers and red fruit. Its medicinal parts are the dried or roasted leaves, which have proven to be a rich source of caffeine. Like coffee, Maté stimulates the central nervous system and has a diuretic effect. It also increases the force of heart contractions, affects heart rhythm, and breaks down sugars and fats in the body.

Parts Used: Leaves

Properties: Pleasant tasting, slightly-bitter, stimulant, analgesic, diuretic

A Remedy For:
Fatigue
Heart palpitations
Irregular heartbeat
Kidney and bladder stones
Urinary tract infections
Weak heart

Maté is also used as a treatment for mental and physical fatigue and as a diuretic for flushing water from the body. Clears toxins and reduces appetite.

Avoid If:You should avoid Maté if you are sensitive to caffeine or have a health condition that is aggravated by caffeine.

Safety:There are no health hazards or side effects known associated with the proper administration of therapeutic dosages. However, high doses of caffeine taken regularly can lead to restlessness, irritability, insomnia, palpitations, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and headache.

Possible Drug Interactions:No interactions have been reported.

Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding:Many doctors recommend limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy to the equivalent of 1 cup of coffee a day. Drinking the equivalent of 4 cups or more per day could slow the baby's development.

How To Prepare:To make a tea pour boiling water over one-half teaspoonful (2 grams) of crushed Maté. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes then strain. You will find that the tea tastes better and is more stimulating if it is steeped only a short time.

Dosage:Maté is taken orally. The usual daily dosage is 3 grams (about three-quarters of a teaspoonful).

Overdosage:Massive doses of caffeine can cause stiffness, muscle spasms, and heart irregularities, but are unlikely to be life-threatening. (The lethal dosage is the equivalent of 75 cups of coffee at one sitting.) Nevertheless, if you suspect an overdose--especially in a child--seek medical attention immediately.

Resources: PDR for Herbal Medicines, Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses.

***Disclaimer: Information is intended for reference purposes only. No medical advice is intended or given. Always consult your family Physician or a qualified Holistic Health Practitioner before using any herbs or herbal therapies. Information about herbal therapies and other dietary supplements is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.