Mate leaves contain caffeine and are therefore applied in mental and physical exhaustion as a centrally stimulating and strengthening agent. For example, the plant can be used for fatigue, mental and physical fatigue and lack of concentration and develop its stimulating effect. Like coffee drinks and black tea, it also has a diuretic effect.
Mate tea as a national drink
In South America and especially Brazil, mate is a national drink, but in Europe the plant has not yet been able to assert itself over black tea or coffee because of its smoky taste.
Mate in folk medicine
As a national drink, mate is very popular in many parts of South America as a stimulant (stimulant). In addition to the aforementioned use for fatigue and exhaustion, the plant is also used in folk medicine as a natural slimming agent to support diets.
Although mate is touted as the “ideal slimming agent,” the actual weight-reducing effect comes from the diet itself. Mate can thereby only a dampening effect on the appetite to be promised and causes further an increased urine excretion and thus a water loss.
Application in homeopathy
In homeopathy, mate is also considered a central stimulant and is taken for symptoms of fatigue.
Ingredients of mate
Mate contains 0.3-2.4% caffeine, about half of which is bound to tannins. These are present in the drug at a rate of 4-16%. Other alkaloids present in the drug are theobromine and traces of theophylline. Flavonoids, triterpene saponins, and about 0.3% essential oil are also present.
Mate: for what indication?
Mate can be used medicinally for the following indications:
- Fatigue
- Fatigue
- Mental and physical exhaustion
- Fatigue
- Lack of concentration
