Botanical Overview
Ilex paraguariensis, commonly known as Yerba mate, Mate, or Paraguay tea, belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. It is native to South America, prominently Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The leaf is the medicinally used part.
Energetics
This herb is considered warming and drying, with a bitter, astringent, and pungent taste. Its energetic actions are ascending and outward with a tonifying quality, especially influencing the qi.
Primary Actions
- Stimulant
- Diuretic
- Antioxidant
- Digestive tonic
Indications
Western
- Fatigue
- Mental exhaustion
- Mild depression
- Fluid retention
- Mild digestive disturbances
Syndromes
- Convalescence
- Mild diuretic needs
- Circulatory insufficiency
TCM
Not established.
Ayurveda
Not established.
Unani
Not established.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include methylxanthines such as caffeine and theobromine, polyphenols, saponins, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acids, which contribute to stimulation, antioxidant and diuretic properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 1.5–3 g dried leaf per cup, 1–3 times daily
- Decoction: 15–30 g dried leaf per liter, consumed throughout the day
- Extracts standardized to caffeine content 2–4 mL 1–2x/d
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when consumed as a beverage. Caution during pregnancy and lactation due to caffeine. May interact with stimulant medications and anticoagulants. Excessive intake can cause insomnia, nervousness, or tachycardia. Contraindicated in hypertension and insomnia cases.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulers documented.
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Assessment report on Ilex paraguariensis, 2017
- Plants For A Future (PFAF) – Ilex paraguariensis
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Yerba Mate: In Depth, 2020
- World Health Organization (WHO) Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants Volume 3, 2007