Paraguayan holly is a plant that naturally occurs in the border areas of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. In these countries and in Uruguay, yerba mate infusion is consumed as often as tea or coffee is in Poland.

Natural stimulation for action

Yerba mate, like coffee, stimulates the human body and raises blood pressure. However, this happens somewhat more slowly and is therefore less noticeable. Several dozen minutes after drinking coffee, a clear surge of energy can be felt, the desire to sleep passes, and the brain works more intensively. Yerba mate, on the other hand, stimulates the body somewhat more slowly, but its effect lasts much longer. This is possible because, in addition to caffeine, yerba also contains theobromine and theophylline, which, together with other active substances and vitamins, enter the body through the stomach and small intestine. Yerba mate works comprehensively because it:

  • stimulates the muscles and heart to work,
  • activates the central nervous system,
  • improves kidney function,
  • speeds up metabolism,
  • raises body temperature and blood pressure,
  • reduces tension in the blood vessels,
  • reduces fatigue,
  • improves well-being.

Yerba mate is therefore used not only as a coffee substitute, but also as a natural stimulant, for example by athletes.

Yerba mate set

Yerba mate infusion can be prepared in an ordinary mug and drunk like tea, but the traditional method of brewing and consuming this beverage requires special accessories. The basic items are a bombilla and a matero. A bombilla is a filtering tube resembling a traditional straw bent on one side and ending in a small strainer. The strainer is placed in the vessel, and its purpose is to separate the infusion from the dried leaves while drinking. A matero, on the other hand, is a pear-shaped vessel in which the infusion is prepared. The wide lower part of the matero makes it possible to place an appropriate amount of dried leaves inside and brew them. A bombilla, matero and yerba mate leaves can be bought separately or in practical sets at https://www.czasnaherbate.net/yerba-mate-c-73.html. A long, narrow brush, used to clean the inside of the bombilla, is also useful for keeping the accessories clean. Those who do not like the taste of original yerba mate are advised to add flavorings, such as honey, lemongrass or fruit juice.