Guayusa – Everything You Need to Know About South American Herbal Tea

Surely in life you have already encountered many types of tea. The days when we had to choose between Earl Grey and Assam are long gone. Today we have access to hundreds, if not thousands, of types and varieties of herbs and leaves, on the basis of which infusions can be created. One of the most interesting plants is guayusa, which many people even compare to yerba mate. Today we take a closer look at the product, which can be found in the form of leaves as well as ground. We are convinced that after reading our article, guayusa will stay longer in your tea cupboard.

What exactly is guayusa?

Guayusa tea is a herbal drink containing caffeine, which is commonly consumed in South America, especially in Ecuador. It is from this country that most of the plants used to create tea leaves come. We are talking about the leaves of the Ilex guayusa, which grow in the Amazon rainforests.

Very often you can come across the opinion about guayusa that appoints it as the perfect alternative to coffee and energy drinks. The caffeine content in the leaves of this plant allows for a healthier increase in energy after consumption.

Truth be told, guayusa is nothing new in the world of South America. Although this tea reached Europe relatively recently, research shows that ancient pre-Columbian cultures benefited from its virtues. To this day, local residents of Ecuador sip on this nutritious infusion to increase their alertness and concentration. In the past, these functions were useful during hunting and battles with other tribes.

Currently, Ecuadorians willingly support their bodies with guayusa during work. It is also worth noting that some indigenous tribes call this tea “the night guard.” This name comes from the fact that the beverage can help people stay awake in the evening hours.

Native inhabitants of Ecuador from the Kichwa tribe traditionally use guayusa in their spiritual ceremonies and rituals. Usually, families from this tribe get up very early in the morning, even around three o’clock, to drink tea. The purpose of such a ceremony is to welcome the new day with a cup of energetic infusion while admiring the sunrise.

Interestingly, today you can buy guayusa tea practically all over the world. It is available in the form of dried leaves as well as powder. It’s time to discover the benefits of consuming this unique infusion.

What does guayusa taste like? The taste qualities of the infusion based on guayusa leaves or powder are naturally delicate. This drink does not contain any unpleasant bitterness, although it may have a slightly earthy aftertaste. Its sweet finish contrasts perfectly with it.

Guayusa – Potential Health Benefits

Caffeine can work wonders, right? Most of us consume coffee or less healthy energy drinks every day. The human body often needs an additional boost of energy to be able to function at full speed. While coffee is considered a relatively healthy drink, there are still healthier alternatives in the world. One of them is guayusa.

Why does this tea work better than coffee? Well, this specific type of caffeine contained in guayusa leaves is released a bit slower than caffeine in coffee beans. This way, we feel a gentler stimulation that lasts longer and is more stable. Unlike coffee, after consuming guayusa, we don’t suffer from sudden energy drops. The caffeine contained in yerba mate and green tea powder matcha works similarly.

Guayusa also allows you to increase your concentration, which is somewhat related to the increase in energy. After drinking tea, the circulatory system begins to work better, resulting in better blood flow to the brain. Consequently, it starts to function more efficiently, giving the user the ability to act more effectively.

Guayusa tea may also contain a lot of antioxidants. These compounds, also called antioxidants, prevent cell damage and death. Researchers are currently conducting studies on the presence of antioxidants and their importance in the fight against cancer and other diseases. Among them, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and bacterial infections can be mentioned.

Can Guayusa Be Consumed Without Any Limitations? Not Entirely

With guayusa tea, it’s like with most substances in the world. Excess is not advisable because, as they say, too much of anything is not healthy. Fortunately, however, potential side effects are not too harmful to health.

The thing that may raise questions is the caffeine content in tea. Excessive doses of this chemical compound can lead to problems with the circulatory system. Rapidly raising energy levels is not a good thing, although fortunately guayusa releases energy slowly and gradually. Among the side effects of too much caffeine, nervousness, insomnia, and anxiety are mentioned.

The conclusion from the available research is clear. Consuming guayusa in moderate amounts should not have a negative impact on health.

Types of Guayusa

• HAPPYUSA™ – HAPPY GUAYUSA
  
• ROSEYUSA™ – ROSEY GUAYUSA
• REDYUSA™ – RED GUAYUSA
• BIO GREEN GUAYUSA – GROUND
• BIO BLACK GUAYUSA – GROUND
• DETOXYUSA™ – DETOX GUAYUSA
• BIO GREEN GUAYUSA – DRIED LEAVES
• BIO BLACK GUAYUSA – DRIED LEAVES

Preparing Guayusa Tea and How to Use It

Is it easy to prepare guayusa? The truth is that brewing this type of tea is incredibly easy. This, in turn, translates into a significant increase in the popularity of the plant worldwide. Western countries became acquainted with this type of tea relatively recently, although it quickly began to be a constant presence on their tables. It works wonderfully as a hot drink, although some prefer to consume guayusa in a chilled version. As an ice tea, guayusa is great during hot summer days.

Of course, it should not be forgotten that this South American tea contains caffeine. The presence of this compound means that the infusion should not be consumed before bedtime. Caffeine can cause insomnia and sleep problems due to increased blood pressure and heart rate.

It’s time to dispel any doubts and present how guayusa can be brewed. Step by step, the tea brewing ceremony should look as follows:

1. Take 1 flat teaspoon of dried leaves or powdered guayusa. This is about 2 grams of the product, which should be poured directly into the bottom of the cup. You can use various types of tea strainers if you don’t want to deal with unnecessary tea leaves.
2. Pour boiling water over the dry leaves or powder. The amount of water should be from about 200 to 250 ml.
3. Cover and steep the tea for another 5 to 7 minutes. The infusion should reach the right intensity of color, taste, and strength.
4. If you are using a strainer, you can remove it at the end of steeping. People who pour leaves directly can drink tea through a metal bombilla for yerba mate.

In the tradition of Amazonian tribes, there is a ritual of brewing guayusa. It is accompanied by the use of folk music, built on the sounds of the flute kena, as well as leather drums. The ceremony usually takes place early in the morning when members of the tribes greet the sun. During the ritual, shamans also interpret dreams from the previous night. At the same time, they share their thoughts on life in the community with others.