Guayusa
Ilex guayusaGuayusa leaves were found in a roughly 1,500-year-old healer’s tomb in Bolivia. Since the plant does not grow at that altitude, it is thought to have arrived by trade.
What is Guayusa?
Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is a plant of the Aquifoliaceae family. Traditions that use it: Amazon. Part used: leaves.
What is Guayusa used for?
Traditional use: In the Ecuadorian Amazon, Kichwa families rise at 3–4 a.m., drink guayusa by the fire, and tell and interpret each other’s dreams. Scientific evidence: traditional. Contains caffeine and theobromine; it is a relative of yerba mate.
Is Guayusa safe?
Safety label: generally safe. Contains caffeine; people with heart rhythm problems, anxiety or insomnia should be careful.
Traditional use
In the Ecuadorian Amazon, Kichwa families rise at 3–4 a.m., drink guayusa by the fire, and tell and interpret each other’s dreams. Hunters drink it to stay alert.
In nature
Mix-up risk
Related to yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis); both contain caffeine.
Preparation
The leaves are boiled for a long time.
What science says
Contains caffeine and theobromine; it is a relative of yerba mate. Human studies of its medicinal claims are few.
Safety
Contains caffeine; people with heart rhythm problems, anxiety or insomnia should be careful.
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchHealth Benefits of Bioactive Compounds from the Genus Ilex, a Source of Traditional Caffeinated Beverages
- ResearchGeneral and Genetic Toxicology of Guayusa Concentrate (Ilex guayusa)
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Ilex guayusa
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe