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Guayusa - Everything you need to know about South American tea
Surely you have come across many kinds of tea in your life. The times when we had to choose between Earl Gray and Assam are over. Today, we have access to hundreds, if not thousands, of types and species of herbs and leaves that can be used to create infusions. One of the most interesting plants is guayusa, which many people liken to yerba mate.
What exactly is GUAYUSA?
Guayusa tea is a herbal drink containing caffeine that is widely consumed in South America, especially in Ecuador. It is from this country that plants most often come from, on the basis of which dried tea is made. We are talking about the leaves of the holly Ilex guayusa, which grows on the Amazon rainforest.
Very often you can hear the opinion about guayusa, which makes it an ideal alternative to coffee and energy drinks. The caffeine content in the leaves of this plant allows for a healthier increase in energy after consumption.
Truth be told, guayusa is nothing new to the South American world. Although this tea came to Europe relatively recently, studies show that ancient pre-Columbian cultures used its benefits. To this day, local people in Ecuador sip this nourishing brew to increase their alertness and concentration. In the past, these functions were useful during hunting and fighting with other tribes.
Currently, Ecuadorians are happy to support their body with guayusa during work. It is also worth noting that some indigenous tribes call this tea "the night watchman". The name comes from the fact that the drink can help people stay awake in the evening hours.
The native Ecuadorians of the Kichwa tribe traditionally use guayusa in their spiritual ceremonies and rituals. Usually, families of this tribe get up very early in the morning, even around three o'clock, to drink tea. This ceremony is about welcoming the new day with a cup of energetic infusion while admiring the sunrise.
Interestingly, today you can buy guayusa tea practically all over the world. It is available in the form of dried leaves as well as powdered form. It's time to find out what the benefits of consuming this unique infusion are.
What does guayusa taste like? The taste qualities of the infusion based on leaves or guayusa powder are naturally delicate. This drink does not contain unpleasant bitterness, although it may have a slightly earthy taste. The sweet finish is a perfect contrast to it.
In our store, we have the highest quality organic guayusa in various flavors.
Guayusa – potential health benefits
Most of us consume coffee or less healthy energy drinks every day. The human body often needs an additional injection of energy to be able to operate at full capacity. While coffee is considered a relatively healthy drink, there are even healthier alternatives worldwide. One of them is guayusa.
Why is this tea better than coffee? Well, this specific type of caffeine in guayusa leaves is released a little slower than the caffeine in coffee beans. In this way, we feel more gentle arousal that lasts longer and more steadily. Unlike coffee, we don't suffer from a sudden drop in energy after guayusa. Caffeine in yerba mate works in a similar way, as does matcha green tea powder.
Guayusa also allows you to increase your concentration, which is related to an increase in energy. After tea consumption, the circulatory system works better, which translates into a better blood supply to the brain. Thus, it starts to work more efficiently, and this gives the user the opportunity to work more effectively.
Guayusa tea can also contain a lot of antioxidants. These compounds, also known as antioxidants, help prevent cell damage and death. Scientists are currently researching the presence of antioxidants and their importance in the fight against cancer and other diseases. These include diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and bacterial infections.
Can you drink guayusa without any restrictions? Not completely
Guayusa tea is like most substances in the world. Excess is not recommended because, as the saying goes, too much is not healthy. Fortunately, however, the potential side effects aren't that bad for your health.
The thing that may make you wonder is the level of caffeine in the tea. Too high doses of this chemical can lead to problems with the blood system. Rapidly raising your energy is not good, but luckily, guayusa releases energy slowly and gradually. Nervousness, insomnia and anxiety are among the side effects of overdosing caffeine.
There is one conclusion from the available studies. Consumption of guayusa in moderated amounts should not adversely affect health.
Preparation of guayusa tea and its use
Is guayusa easy to prepare? The truth is that this type of tea is very easy to brew. This, in turn, translates into a significant increase in the popularity of the plant in the world. Western countries have become acquainted with this type of tea relatively recently, although it very quickly began to appear on their tables. It works great as a hot drink, although some people prefer to consume guayusa in a chilled version. As ice tea guyausa it works great during hot summer days.
One should not forget, of course, that this South American tea has caffeine in it. The content of this compound means that you should not drink the infusion before going to bed. Caffeine can cause insomnia and sleep problems due to high blood pressure and higher heart activity.
It's time to dispel all doubts and introduce how to brew guayusa. The step-by-step tea ceremony should look like this:
- We take 1 flat teaspoon of dried leaves or a powdered form of guayusa. It is about 2 grams of the product that should be poured directly on the bottom of the cup. You can use a variety of tea strainers if you don't want to deal with unnecessary coffee grounds.
- Pour boiling water over dry leaves or powder. Its amount should be from about 200 to 250 ml.
- While covered, brew the tea drink for another 5 to 7 minutes. The infusion should achieve the right intensity of color, flavor and strength.
- If you are using a strainer, you can pull it out at the end of brewing. People who flood the leaves directly can drink tea through the metal bombilla to yerba mate.
In the tradition of the Amazon tribes, there is a guayusa brewing ritual. It is accompanied by the use of folk music, built on the sounds of the Ken's flute, as well as leather drums. The ceremony usually takes place early in the morning, when tribesmen greet the sun. During the ritual, the shamans also interpret the dreams of the previous night. At the same time, they share their thoughts on living in the community with others.