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Herbs & Cultures

The Guaraní and the mate tradition →

Tereré with cedrón and fennel for indigestion

Cold mate with crushed herbs for a heavy stomach, the way Paraguayans drink it.

Traditional use

Time
10 minutes
Makes
For a group, passed round
Yerba mate

Into the ice water of Paraguayan tereré go pohã ñana, Guaraní for medicinal herbs. Which ones you choose depends on your complaint. For indigestion the newspaper ABC Color names burrito and fennel among others, and cedrón (lemon verbena) is held to be good for digestion and against cramps and wind.

Ingredients

  • Yerba mate (the cup two-thirds full)
  • A handful of fresh cedrón (lemon verbena)
  • 1 tsp fennel seed or a piece of fresh fennel
  • 1 litre ice-cold water

Step by step

  1. Crush the cedrón and fennel in a mortar and put them with the ice and water in a jug.
  2. Fill a cup or gourd two-thirds with yerba mate, tilt it and push the bombilla into the empty side.
  3. Pour a splash of herb water onto the mate, drink the cup empty and pass it on.

Tips

  • In Paraguay you throw away the first sips: that is said to prevent stomach ache.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

  • Caution

    South America · Food · № 15

    Yerba mate

    Ilex paraguariensis

    The leaves contain caffeine, theobromine and polyphenols; the drink is stimulating and dispels tiredness, like coffee or tea. It is a beverage and social drink, not a medicine.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+1
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 378

    Lemon verbena

    Aloysia citrodora

    Traditionally attributed effects: relaxing, helps you fall asleep.

    The Guaraní and the mate tradition+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 72

    Fennel

    Foeniculum vulgare

    The seed is traditionally used for wind, bloating and cramps. There are some small studies, but evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+9Folklore

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

The herbs in this recipe also appear in these traditions.