Description

Guayusa Tea – Loose-Leaf

Our Guayusa Tea is 100% natural, and fair trade. 

How to make Guayusa Tea

Guayusa tea is incredibly easy to make. You can enjoy it hot or serve it iced. However, due to its caffeine content, you may need to avoid consuming it before bedtime.

To prepare this tea, add a teaspoon (about 2 g) of loose guayusa leaves to a mug and pour in 8 ounces (240 ml) of boiling water. Steep for five to seven minutes, or until it reaches the intensity you desire. 

Enjoy your tea!

What is Guayusa?

Guayusa, scientific name Ilex guayusa, is a tree plant native to the Amazon Equatorial region. 

Its leaves have been known since ancient times to provide health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (check out a study about it here: 1). 

Traditionally, its leaves are harvested and dried to make herbal tea. 

This plant has significant concentrations of caffeine and is a rich source of antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds (check out study about it here: 1).

Benefits: 

Guayusa can provide several health benefits.

– May improve mood and concentration

Guayusa contains caffeine, a known stimulant, offering similar benefits to regular coffee (check out study about it here: 3).

In addition, it contains theobromine, an alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine, which can also be found in foods such as chocolate and cocoa powder (check out study about it here: 4). In combination, caffeine and theobromine have been shown to increase mood, attention, and concentration (see study here: 5).

A study in 20 healthy adults found that a mixture of caffeine (19 mg) and theobromine (250 mg) can improve short-term brain function.

– It’s rich in antioxidants

Studies show that guayusa has several antioxidants (check out the studies about it here: 2, 7, 8). These substances reduce oxidative stress by fighting free radicals. They can help to lower the risk of several chronic diseases (check here the study about it: 9).

Guayusa is particularly rich in a group of polyphenol antioxidants known as catechins, which may protect against inflammation, heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes (check out studies about it here:  10, 11, 12, 13).

– May stabilize blood sugar

Although the exact mechanism is uncertain, guayusa may help lower blood sugar.

Current research is very limited and its results do not necessarily apply to humans. More studies in humans are needed.

– May help with weight loss

Because of its high caffeine content, guayusa may promote weight loss. 

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that helps increase metabolism, thus increasing the number of calories your body burns.

Side effects of drinking too much Guayusa

In general, ingesting guayusa is very safe. In moderation, it is not associated with any adverse effects (check out a study about it here: 8). However, excessive doses of caffeine can cause symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. However, guayusa – despite its caffeine content – does not seem to cause the nervousness associated with other caffeinated beverages, such as coffee (check out the study: 19).

Still, like many teas, guayusa contains tannins – compounds that can interfere with iron absorption and cause nausea, especially if consumed on an empty stomach (check out studies here:  20, 21). Tannins are not likely to be harmful to health in the low amounts found in tea, but people with iron deficiency may need to limit their consumption