Products
Mate leaves are available in pharmacies, drugstores, and grocery stores, among other places, also as open goods. Mate is drunk primarily in South America. In Europe, it has hardly caught on so far.
Stem plant
The mate shrub from the holly family (Aquifoliaceae) is native to southern South America, where it is also cultivated (including Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay). The largest producer is Argentina. The evergreen mate shrub can grow into a tree up to 18 meters high.
Medicinal drug
The heated/roasted, dried, aged and cut leaves of the mate shrub are used as the medicinal raw material (mate leaves, mate folium). The different processing procedures result in different types of tea, which differ in taste and appearance.
Ingredients
The main ingredients include:
- Methylxanthines: caffeine (also known as “mateine” in mate), theobromine, little theophylline.
- Phenolic acids: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid (tannins).
- Flavonoids
- Saponins
Effects
Mate has stimulant (energizing), analeptic, antioxidant and diuretic properties. The caffeine content per cup is roughly comparable to coffee or black tea.
Indications for use
Mate is consumed mainly as a stimulant and stimulant. It is also used for supportive treatment of obesity and against headaches, among other uses.
Dosage
Mate is usually prepared as an infusion. To do this, the dried leaves are placed in a special mate cup and poured over with hot (not boiling) water. This is then repeated several times. Sweeteners (sugar), milk or lemon juice can be added to the drink. Mate is traditionally drunk from a spherical mate cup made of bottle gourd with a bombilla, a metal drinking straw with a filter (strainer) at the bottom. This prevents tea residue from being ingested. However, mate can also be prepared like any other tea and mate leaves are also available in tea bags. Mate has a pleasant taste and a smoky smell.
Adverse effects
Caffeine can cause adverse effects such as restlessness, irritability, nervousness, sleep disturbances, a rapid heartbeat, and increased urination. It may cause mild dependence.
