Guayusa - the wake-up call of the Indians

T he plant, which originally comes from the depths of the Amazon, is also attracting more and more attention in Europe. And as a legendary superfood, it is already one of the hottest trend drinks in the coming years. No wonder, after all, guayusa is described by the indigenous people of Ecuador as nothing less than the most energetic plant in the Amazon forest.

Why did the indigenous peoples rely on Guayusa in primeval times? What makes this plant so special and trendy? How Guayusa tea tastes? How does it work? And why he might even challenge coffee?

You can find out all this and much more here in this blog post. Have fun while reading!

Ilex guayusa - fascinating holly with a long tradition

Ilex guayusa (botanical for guayusa) is a species of holly native to South America, mostly found in the northwestern part of the Amazon (mainly in Ecuador, but also in Colombia and Peru). It is grown at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters and is a shrub that can grow into a tree up to 30 meters tall. Ilex plants are generally poisonous to humans. However, some species, such as the Ilex guayusa, are quite suitable for human consumption.

This was and is also known to the indigenous peoples of the region. Guayusa is an extremely traditional plant with a history that goes back thousands of years. According to legend, the ancestors of the Kichwa Indians prayed to the gods asking their ancestors for a way to be more alert, focused and concentrated when hunting at night. This wish was therefore granted by the gods. They gave the tribe the Ilex guayusa.

The unique and natural effects of Guayusa

Guayusa has been used by the Kichwa Indians for many generations. In the Kichwa culture, it is quite normal to get up at 3 a.m. and start the day with a brew. At least for many centuries, the indigenous people have been using the leaves of the guayusa plant for this purpose. Both fresh and dried. And meanwhile mainly as a basis for the preparation of the well-known Guayusa tea. The leaves are first boiled and the resulting brew is then drunk. The high caffeine content is said to help against tiredness and sharpen the senses. In addition, it should help with hunting and work and promote both endurance and concentration.

Guayusa vs. Coffee vs. Matcha: Which Drink Has the Most Caffeine?

Comparing the caffeine content of guayusa and coffee, the two don’t take much. With a proportion of 1.8% to 3.2%, the caffeine content of guayusa leaves is about as high as that of coffee. In contrast to coffee, the effect of the caffeine in Guayusa tea is much more lasting. So while the caffeine content reaches a similarly high level as coffee, it usually lasts longer and is also more pleasant because it is more subtle.

Side effects such as stomach problems, tremors, stress or restlessness, which are known from coffee, are not known in connection with the consumption of Guayusa tea.

If you compare it with Japanese Matcha, the effect of the caffeine is similarly gentle due to the composition of the ingredients, but lasts longer and more lasting in this comparison.

Rich in ingredients: L-theanine, theophylline, theobromine & Co.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is commonly used to treat stress, anxiety and depression. The amino acid has been shown to promote relaxation ¹ and improve concentration and learning ² . What is special is that L-theanine has so far only been found in two plants and one fungus. One of these two plants is Guayusa. Especially in combination with caffeine, L-theanine can develop its effect optimally and contribute to increased physical and mental performance. ³

theophylline

The active ingredient theophylline is also found in the leaves of the plant. Theophylline has umpteen stimulant properties and is also used to treat lung diseases. Theophylline expands the air ducts and thus helps to better absorb oxygen. ^{4 , 5} To intensify the effects, it is advised to take theophylline at the same time as theobromine.

theobromine

How fortunate that theobromine is also included. This ingredient promotes blood circulation in the brain and thus stimulates the ability to think. In addition, theobromine stimulates the heart and increases its pumping capacity. Theobromine also relaxes the muscles and allows the organs to regenerate better. ⁶

Other ingredients are:

• Antioxidants (twice as high as green tea)
• Polyphenols​ (phytochemicals)
• Carotenoids​ (provitamin A)
• Quercetin​ (natural dye and radical scavenger)
• Vitamins C and D
• Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium and Zinc

Guayusa taste: like mate, only different (softer)

In terms of taste, guayusa is quite comparable to mate tea. Just without the bitterness - but much gentler, pleasantly mild fruity and with a slightly sweet tart note. Whoever tries the tea for the first time will be surprised at how gentle it tastes. The absolutely aromatic and extremely pleasant taste lets you experience the power, magic and strength of guayusa when you enjoy it and in connection with intensive use, even during the preparation.

Conclusion: More than just a wake-up call

Guayusa is more than just a morning pick-me-up. Guayusa is one of the most exciting plants of this time and is very trendy thanks to its unique properties. The plant, so valued by the natives of northwestern South America, is also becoming a very popular and absolutely natural energy drink with us.

With her potent and incredibly sustained caffeine content, Guayusa easily rivals coffee and other caffeinated beverages. And with L-theanine, theophylline and theobromine on top it also brings important power substances with it! The trendy superfood will go its own way and will soon find many more fans here, we are convinced of that!

Harness the power of Guayusa

Have you got a taste for it too? Then secure your package now, try the natural functional food of the Amazon hunters - and let yourself be enchanted!

You will find sustainable, organically certified and fair trade Guayusa here with us. Follow us on Instagram , YouTube and Facebook to learn more about the miracle drink Guayusa.

Sources:

1. Lu K, Gray MA, Oliver C, Liley DT, Harrison BJ, Bartholomeusz CF, Phan KL, Nathan PJ. Theacute effects of L-theanine in comparison with alprazolam on anticipatory anxiety inhumans. Hum Psychopharmacol Clin 2004;19:457-65.
2. Haskell CF, Kennedy DO, Milne AL, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. The effects of L-theanine, caf-feine and their combination on cognition and mood. Biol Psychol 2008;77:113-22.
3. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/138/8/1572S/4750819
4. Tashkin DP, Celli B, Senn S, et al.: UPLIFT Study Investigators. A 4-year trial of tiotropium in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med 2008; 359:1543-54.
5. https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-2003-43022.pdf
6. https://edoc.ub.uni-muenchen.de/8906/1/Schaarschmidt_Cordula.pdf