How Indigenous people use Guayusa tea
Introduction
For more than 1,500 years, the Kichwa people, Indigenous to Ecuador, have used the Guayusa plant in different ways. Here, Guayusa is usually drunk as a tea, but the Kichwa also chew and smoke the leaves and even make tinctures. For them, Guayusa is valued not only for keeping people alert for a long time, but also for its spiritual aspects and perceived healing effects.
Contents
1. How Guayusa is traditionally used
1.1. Chewing Guayusa
The Kichwa chew Guayusa leaves, for example, while hunting or working in the fields to stay alert and focused.
1.2. Smoking Guayusa tea
Sometimes the large leaves of the Guayusa plant are rolled like cigars. These Guayusa tea cigars are then hung up to dry.
Once the tea leaves are completely dry, Kichwa shamans smoke the cigars during ceremonies. They use the effects of the smoked leaves to enter a higher state of consciousness and connect with the wisdom of their ancestors.
1.3. Burning Guayusa as incense
Guayusa is also sometimes burned as incense during ceremonies, so that people can breathe in the plant’s positive energy and fill the ceremonial space with it.
1.4. Drinking Guayusa
Today, however, Guayusa is generally drunk. The Kichwa use freshly harvested leaves, which they boil over a fire in a metal kettle for anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. The resulting tea is drunk plain, though sometimes lemon and a little panela sugar are added.
2. What is Guayusa tea used for?
Guayusa has no known side effects, but it does have many positive qualities that Indigenous people in Ecuador have valued for thousands of years.
2.1. Guayusa as a boost before and during the hunt
In the past, the Kichwa used Guayusa for its invigorating effect before and during the hunt.
Hunting in the jungle takes great concentration and strength. According to one legend, the Kichwa asked the gods for a plant that would give them more energy on the hunt. The gods heard them and gave them the energising Guayusa plant. Read more about old Guayusa stories in the linked article.
2.2. Guayusa for creative thinking
The Kichwa get up at 3 am. They boil fresh Guayusa leaves over a fire in a metal kettle to make tea. As they drink it, they talk about the dreams they had the night before, share creative thoughts and inspiring ideas, and tell stories about their ancestors.
The family decides what tasks to take on that day based on their mood and the dreams interpreted by the eldest member.
2.3. Guayusa for more vivid dreams – lucid dreaming with Guayusa
Lucid dreaming is the ability to become aware of a dream while asleep, shape it actively and experience it with all your senses.
The Kichwa also call Guayusa “The Night Watchman”. They say it helps them remain aware of their surroundings while asleep and communicate with their ancestors in dreams. That is why they often drink Guayusa tea before going to bed. Guayusa is therefore also considered a potent dream herb.
2.4. Guayusa for ailments
Guayusa is used for stomach problems such as heartburn. It is also used for headaches, as a tincture to help wounds heal, and as an insect repellent.
2.5. Guayusa for a positive attitude to work
Kichwa children are given Guayusa tea to take to school so they can concentrate better in class and develop a more positive attitude to their work.
Guayusa boosts drive and motivation, helping people get on with the tasks ahead.
2.6. Guayusa as a rejuvenating tonic
The Kichwa believe that drinking Guayusa every day has a rejuvenating and strengthening effect on the body.
They have centuries of experience with Guayusa and its effects, which is why the Kichwa use it in many different ways.
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