I came across Yerba mate by accident and after trying it, I immediately became fascinated not only with its miraculous properties on our health, but also with the fascinating history of its consumption.

The drink of Paraguay holly leaves is a real treasure trove of over 150 vitamins, minerals and antioxidants necessary for health. Scientists, incl. from the Pasteur Institute in Paris, discovered that yerba mate, due to the richness of vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, E, H) and micronutrients (including sodium, magnesium, calcium, silicon, iron, potassium), has enormous pro-health action.

Yerba mate: the discovery of the Indians

Yerba mate is a decoction of dried branches of Paraguay Holly – an evergreen tree that reaches a height of 6-8 metres. Under natural conditions, it grows only in Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The history of yerba mate goes back to pre-Columbian times. Its discoverers were the Guarani Indians who used yerba mate as a powerful mixture to improve physical condition and concentration. The decoction was brought to Europe by Jesuit missionaries who reached the Guarani tribe in the 17th century. The Jesuits quickly realised that the Indians, despite their poor diet, enjoyed great health thanks to the regular consumption of Paraguay Holly. The monks began to plant holly plantations and ship powdered leaves to Europe.

Yerba mate – a treasury of vitamins and minerals

Below is the list of some of the health benefits link to yerba mate:

• anti-cancer – strengthens the immune system
• lowers the level of bad cholesterol,
• increases good cholesterol,
• protects the heart and helps in the fight against being overweight
• increases the feeling of fullness regulates metabolism – stimulates the secretion of bile anti-diabetic
• anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiparasitic
• cleans the blood of toxins
• anti-rheumatic strengthens bones and teeth
• improves the condition of the skin,
• hair and nails eliminates nervous conditions,
• has an antidepressant effect supports concentration
• increases resistance to physical fatigue
• stimulates the body and recreates the walls of the stomach and intestines that have been destroyed

You probably agree with me that the list is very impressive!

Yerba mate is often considered an exotic coffee substitute.

Drinking yerba mate removes fatigue, improves concentration and psychophysical fitness, due to the large amount of caffeine. I personally enjoy drink yerba mate in small amounts.

Classic recipe for yerba mate

Pour 2 tablespoons of dried fruit with hot, but not boiling water. It’s best to drink the infusion slightly cooled down.

Cleansing tea with ginger and turmeric ingredients:

This great recipe for a cleansing drink with has been found in Agnieszka Maciag’s book “Taste of Life”, which I highly recommend to my Polish readers. The book contains tasty and healthy recipes for delicious dishes and drinks.

Ingredients

1 Litre of boiling water

3 cm of chopped ginger root

2-3 cm of chopped turmeric root (or 1 teaspoon of dried turmeric)

1 teaspoon of coriander seeds

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon of fennel

1 teaspoon of yerba mate tea juice squeezed from one lemon

Method

Pour boiling water over all ingredients except lemon juice and tea. When it cools down a little, add the yerba mate and lemon juice. Strain through a sieve. Take the drink with small sips throughout the day.

Have you tried yerba mate? Have you noticed any benefits on your health? It will be great to hear from you.