MATE

Latin Name: Ilex paraguariensis

Alternate Names: Paraguay Tea, Yerba Mate, Hervea, Jesuit's Tea

Family: AQUIFOLIACEAE

Parts Used: Roasted leaves, collected when berries are ripe.

Properties: Diaphoretic, Digestive Tonic, Diuretic, Nerve Stimulant, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Colds, Delerium, Depression, Diabetes, Fatigue, Flu, Headache, Migraine, Neuralgia, Obesity, Premenstrual Syndrome, Rheumatism

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

The caffeine in Mate stimulates the burning of fat.

Chemical Constituents: Xanthine derivatives (caffeine citronate, theobromine, theophylline), neocholerogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, beta carotene, vitamins B, C, sulphur.

Contraindications: Best to avoid consuming with meals as the high tannin content can impair nutrient assimilation. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid caffeine.

Comments: Native to South America, Mate is the national drink of Argentina where it is consumed more frequently than black tea or coffee. Mate is from the Spanish word meaning 'gourd' as it is often consumed from cups made of Calabash gourds.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), April 22, 2002