CautionSouth America · Herb · № 879
Guayusa
Ilex guayusa
A relative of yerba mate; the leaf contains a lot of caffeine and is stimulating.
Kallawaya healing knowledge+2
Herbal knowledge of the Amazon →
Guayusa, the tea before sunrise
A strong, invigorating tea from the leaves of an Amazonian holly.
Traditional use
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Makes
- 4 cups
Among the Kichwa of the Ecuadorian Amazon the family gets up before sunrise to drink guayusa together. While the pot boils, dreams are interpreted, stories told and the day planned. The leaves contain caffeine but taste softer than mate or tea.
Ingredients
- 4–5 dried guayusa leaves or 2 tbsp cut leaf
- 1 litre water
Step by step
- Bring the water and leaves to the boil.
- Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.
- Pour and drink warm, unsweetened as in the Amazon, or with a little honey.
Tips
- Guayusa does not turn bitter, so you can leave the pot standing and reheat it later.
Registry
Herbs in this recipe
Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.
- Caution
Cultures and traditions
Where the herbs come from
The herbs in this recipe also appear in these traditions.