Mate
(Ilex paraguariensis) is a very popular source of tea found in South
America.
Mate is an evergreen
with white flowers and red fruit and it is the dried or roasted
leaves that are used.
Mate is often called
Yerba Mate. It is actually a good source of caffeine.
Mate
stimulate the central nervous system and has a diuretic effect.
It also increases the force of heart contractions, affects heart
rhythm, and breaks down sugars and fats in the body. Traditionally,
Mate has been used for fatigue, kidney and bladder problems.
The
primary active chemical constituency of yerba mate comprises xanthine
alkaloids (caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline), saponins, and
up to 10% chlorogenic acid. Sterols resembling ergosterol and cholesterol
are also present in yerba mate, and novel saponins have been discovered
in the leaf (and named matesaponins).
Mate
also contains theobromine, theophylline, phytol, stigmasterol, and
squalene. It has tannins, N-nitroso compounds, iron, phosphorus,
calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C and vitamin E.
Used
as a stimulant (for its caffeine content); as an overall tonic (tones,
balances, strengthens the body) and digestive aid (for obesity and
as part of weight loss regimen) as a general nervine (balances/calms
nerves) for nerve pain, nervous fatigue, depression, allergies and
sinusitis.
The information contained in this listing has not been evaluated
by the Food and Drug Administration. This information or product
is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease
