Yerba Mate Tea is a herbal tea made from the dried leaves and stems of the mate plant. Traditionally prepared by steeping the tea leaves in very hot water in a cup made from a dried gourd casing or wood. It is filled nearly to the top with tea leaves, and topped with water, the drinker then sips the infusion through a metal straw called a bomilla. The cup is then topped up with more water.
Drinking yerba mate is an important, social practice in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, eastern Chile, southern Bolivia, and Brazil. Drinkers in these countries usually share the mate among friends, each taking turns to drink.
Yerba Mate contains many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also said to aid digestion, and weight loss, help boost the immune system, lowers blood pressure, help memory concentration. Yerba mate is caffeine free but contains matteina which can be a stimulant like caffeine.
