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Guayusa Tea: Benefits, Side Effects & How to Make It

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Guayusa tea is a South American drink that is considered a relative of yerba mate. It’s an herbal tea with a long history and has been consumed in South America for over 2,000 years.

I think that many people who like yerba mate, and herbal teas in general, might find it interesting to try guayusa as well. Just like yerba mate, guayusa tea is a natural, energizing, and healthy drink.

In addition to its uplifting effect, this drink is known for its high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids. More recently, it has also begun to gain popularity in Western countries.

In this article, I will tell you everything you want to know about guayusa tea:

  • What exactly is guayusa tea?
  • What kind of health benefits it has?
  • Are there any side effects?
  • How much caffeine is in guayusa tea?
  • How to brew it and what it tastes like?

What is Guayusa Tea?

Guayusa tea is brewed from the leaves of a holly tree known by the botanical name Ilex guayusa.

Ilex guayusa

The native Kichwa people of Ecuador traditionally use guayusa in their spiritual ceremonies and rituals. Families awake very early in the morning to drink guayusa while watching the sunrise.

Members of the tribe sit around a fire while sipping the tea from gourds. During this time the elders teach the younger children the myths and traditions of the tribe, and shamans play their traditional instruments, such as a bamboo flute which they call kena.

Cultivation of Guayusa Trees

Guayusa is one of three known caffeinated holly trees. As you might know already, yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is also one of them.

Guayusa trees grow naturally in the upper Amazonian regions mainly in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and southern Colombia. This evergreen tree grows about 6–30 meters tall in altitudes between 200–2000 meters.

Most of the guayusa is cultivated on small family farms in Ecuador. It’s usually grown underneath the canopy of the Amazon rainforest, and the trees are trimmed to about waist height to encourage constant growth of new leaves.

Growing guayusa helps with generating income to traditional farmers. What might be even more important, though, is the fact that growing guayusa helps to conserve the rainforest.

Because it’s grown in the shade of the forest, it creates a profitable alternative to cutting down the trees.

Next, I recommend that you check out this cool video about Guayusa:

Guayusa Tea Benefits and Uses

The indigenous people of Ecuador use guayusa as a source of energy and nutrients. It’s also used as a natural remedy for many health problems.

The uses and health benefits of guayusa are similar to those of yerba mate:

Antioxidants: Guayusa contains about 50% more antioxidants compared to green tea. Antioxidants can help your body stay healthy and prevent aging. They may also prevent cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

Energy and Concentration: In addition to caffeine, guayusa contains 2 other stimulants: theobromine, and theophylline. Drinking this herbal tea gives you a physical energy boost. It also provides you with clean mental energy that improves concentration and mood. The L-theanine in guayusa helps smooth down the effect of caffeine and prevents any uncomfortable feelings like jitters or crashing down when the effect wears down.

Weight Loss: Guayusa tea contains very few calories and it gives you the energy to be more active and helps with burning fat more efficiently. It also stimulates your metabolism which can help in losing weight.

Blood Sugar: Guayusa may help to stabilize blood sugar, especially when used frequently for a long time.

Immune and Vascular Systems: This herb contains saponins and polyphenolic compounds that can protect you against chronic disease. They can also prevent unnecessary inflammation throughout the body by relieving strain on the immune system. Theobromine in the tea helps in protecting your overall cardiovascular health by protecting the arteries and blood vessels.

Digestion: Guayusa tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can aid digestion. It is often used to prevent bloating and stomach cramps as well as diarrhea and improving digestion.

guayusa leaves
Guayusa leaves are rich in nutrients and beneficial compounds

Guayusa also contains vitamins D & C as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, and chromium.

Possible Side Effects of Guayusa

Drinking guayusa tea is generally considered safe.

When consumed in moderation, no links to side effects have been found.

I have been drinking guayusa tea frequently for many years and have never experienced any adverse reactions.

Due to its relatively high caffeine content (more about this later), excessive consumption may cause symptoms like anxiety, and insomnia. Yet, drinking guayusa doesn’t usually cause any jitteriness that is commonly experienced by coffee drinkers.

Guayusa contains some tannins which might interfere with iron absorption. So if you have iron deficiency, pay attention to the amount you are consuming.

If ingested on an empty stomach, you may experience nausea. Yet, I often drink guayusa tea in the morning before breakfast but have not noticed any issues.

Caffeine Content of Guayusa Tea

Guayusa leaves contain between 1.7–3.5 % of caffeine which is about the same as ground coffee and slightly more than yerba mate. Thus, guayusa tea has a relatively high caffeine content.

A cup of guayusa tea has about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.

However, the caffeine content can vary greatly depending on how the tea was manufactured and how you brew it. More tea and less water, plus longer brewing time, means a higher concentration of caffeine.

Dried guayusa leaves
Dried guayusa leaves

In addition to caffeine, guayusa contains theobromine and theophylline and has an energizing effect similar to yerba mate. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps in releasing caffeine more smoothly and evenly.

The combination of caffeine, L-theanine, theobromine, and theophylline gives an energy boost that is more balanced and gentle compared to coffee.

Thus, guayusa tea is less likely to cause jitters or a feeling of crashing down after it wears down.

How to Make Guayusa Tea

The easiest way to brew guayusa tea is to buy it in tea bags. You can also use loose leaf tea and a French press, or other methods to brew your guayusa.

Basically, you can brew it like any other herbal tea.

Guayusa Tea Brewing Instructions:

Here’s how to make one cup of guayusa tea:

  • Step 1: Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground guayusa leaves to a teapot or French press.
  • Step 2: Pour one cup of freshly boiled water over the leaves.
  • Step 3: Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Step 4: Your tea is ready, enjoy!

Traditional Method of Brewing Guayusa

Guayusa tea can also be brewed with a traditional method using loose leaf guayusa and the same kind of gourd and bombilla as with yerba mate.

Traditional Method of Brewing Guayusa Tea
The traditional way: Guayusa leaf tea, gourd, and bombilla

Here’s how to prepare guayusa tea the traditional way:

  • Step 1: Heat some water to boil. Let the water cool down a little bit.
  • Step 2: Add about 4 tablespoons of dried guayusa leaves to the gourd and pour hot water in.
  • Step 3: Let it steep for a few minutes.
  • Step 4: Drink with a bombilla (straw)!

Guayusa is nearly impossible to over-brew, and the leaves can be steeped again about half a dozen times before their flavor starts to wane.

One nice option is to add some other herbs like mint or to make a refreshing iced guayusa tea.

Read my article about brewing yerba mate tea to get more ideas for preparing your guayusa.

Guayusa Tea Flavor and Aroma

Unlike yerba mate, which can bear a somewhat bitter taste, guayusa has a smooth, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor. The tea has a rich and earthy aroma that most people find enjoyable.

Some have described the taste as something between mate and green tea. Compared to green tea, the flavor is less tannic and the texture is more creamy.

Alternative Option: Guayusa Leaf Extract

If you want to enjoy the benefits and energy boost of guayusa without preparing and drinking it as a tea, you can also try guayusa leaf extract. This provides a very quick and convenient way to get a nice dose of this ancient herbal remedy.

Here is an excellent organic option: Herbal Goodness Guayusa Leaf Extract

Herbal Goodness Guayusa Leaf Extract

Another option is to use guayusa capsules. This is the best option if you don’t want to taste the herb when consuming it, or if you travel a lot and want to take the product with you.

Guayusa Tea FAQ

What is guayusa tea?

Guayusa tea is a healthy and energizing herbal drink made with the leaves of Ilex guayusa tree. Indigenous people of Ecuador have consumed it for thousands of years and recently it has become more popular in the Western countries as well.

What are the health benefits of guayusa tea?

Guayusa tea is rich in antioxidants and nutrients and has many health benefits. It can give you energy and aid with losing weight as well as help with concentration and improving mood. It may also help with stabilizing blood sugar, preventing heart disease, and improving digestion.

Does guayusa have any side effects?

In general, guayusa tea is considered safe. Yet, it contains caffeine, and consuming excessive amounts may cause symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. It also has tannins that can cause problems with the absorption of iron. Drinking too much on an empty stomach may cause nausea.

How to make guayusa tea?

You can use guayusa tea bags and steep them in hot water for about 5 minutes. You can also use a french press or a traditional method with a gourd and bombilla to make your guayusa tea.

How much caffeine is in guayusa?

Guayusa leaves contain between 1.7–3.5 % of caffeine which is about the same as ground coffee. On average, a cup of guayusa tea has almost as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. However, the caffeine content depends on the brewing method and ratio of water and leaves.

Guayusa, like its close relative yerba mate, is an amazing plant that gives you energy and has several health benefits. The tea brewed from its leaves has been consumed for thousands of years, and today it can help in the conservation of rain forests.

Now that you know what guayusa tea is, maybe you would like to try it?

Go ahead and read my guide with the best guayusa tea products and where to buy them.

I hope this article was interesting and contained information that you find useful. If you have any comments or questions, please post them below.

Enjoy your Healthy Guayusa Tea!

-Joonas

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10 thoughts on “Guayusa Tea: Benefits, Side Effects & How to Make It”

  1. This tea has some great health benefits. Sounds like it tastes pretty good because you mentioned its sweet taste but more than that I am glad to see that it stimulates our metabolism, which helps with weight loss.

    I am a big tea drinker and most do not offer such benefits. Thanks for sharing this one.

    Reply
    • Yes, guayusa tea is really healthy and tastes good! It is also great for losing weight and burning fat as well as boosting your physical exercise.

      -Joonas

      Reply
  2. Hi Joonas,

    To be very frank, I have never heard about Guayusa Tea, so for me, this was really insightful. When it comes to tea, I have green tea daily. In fact, this replaced my afternoon coffee. I am sensitive to caffeine, so should I stay away from Guaysa Tea? Nevertheless, I will definitely try this at least once. Looking forward to more such informative posts.

    Reply
    • Hi Satish,

      I definitely recommend that you try Guayusa Tea! Maybe you could try it in tea bags, and steep it only for a few minutes, so it will not be too strong.

      -Joonas

      Reply
  3. Such a cool article, I’d heard of this tea but didn’t know anything about it. Will definitely pick some up tomorrow 😀

    Reply
  4. Thanks for providing this helpful information.
    Guayusa tea is a drink regularly consumed in South America, especially in Ecuador.
    According to research drinking guayusa frequently can lessen your hazard for diabetes and coronary illness. It’s additionally suggested that drinking guayusa can help advance weight reduction.

    Reply

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