Ilex Guayusa: the Kichwa coffee alternative from Ecuador

Introduction

The Ilex guayusa plant, originally from deep in the Amazon, is attracting increasing attention here in Europe too. It is no surprise: the Indigenous Kichwa people of Ecuador drink Ilex guayusa as an energising alternative to coffee, which also grows in Ecuador.

This article looks at why Indigenous people prefer Ilex guayusa to coffee, what guayusa tea tastes and feels like, and how it compares with coffee and matcha.

Contents

1. Ilex guayusa: a traditional energiser
2. The unique, natural effects of Ilex guayusa
3. Guayusa vs coffee vs matcha
   1. Comparing guayusa with coffee
   2. Comparing guayusa with matcha
4. Active compounds in Ilex guayusa
   1. L-theanine
   2. Theophylline
   3. Theobromine
   4. Other ingredients in Ilex guayusa
5. Guayusa flavour
6. Conclusion: Ilex guayusa is more than an energiser

1. Ilex guayusa: a traditional energiser

Ilex guayusa is a species of holly native to South America. It is found mainly in the north-western Amazon, especially Ecuador, but also Colombia and Peru. It is cultivated at elevations of up to 2,000 metres and grows as a shrub, though it can reach heights of up to 30 metres as a tree.

Ilex plants are generally poisonous to humans. However, some species, such as Ilex guayusa and the mate shrub Ilex paraguariensis, are suitable for human consumption and offer many health benefits.

The Kichwa people of Ecuador have known this for generations. Guayusa is a traditional plant with a history stretching back thousands of years. According to legend, the Kichwa ancestors prayed to the gods for a way to stay more awake, alert and focused during night-time hunts. Their wish was granted, and the gods gave them Ilex guayusa.

2. The unique, natural effects of Ilex guayusa

The Kichwa people have used guayusa for generations. In Kichwa culture, it is customary to get up at 3 am and start the day with guayusa tea.

For centuries, Indigenous people have used guayusa leaves for this, both fresh and dried. The leaves are boiled in a pot over an open fire. The women of the community regularly ladle out guayusa tea and share it with everyone sitting around the fire.

Its high caffeine content wards off tiredness and sharpen the senses. Guayusa also increases stamina and concentration.

3. Guayusa vs coffee vs matcha

3.1. Comparing guayusa with coffee

At 1.8% to 7.6%, the caffeine content of guayusa leaves is considerably higher than that of coffee. Guayusa contains around 3% caffeine on average. Coffee, by contrast, contains between 1.4% and 3%, less than Ilex guayusa.

Unlike coffee, the effect of caffeine in guayusa tea lasts much longer. It lasts longer and feels subtler, more creative and more conducive to focus.

Side effects associated with coffee, such as stomach complaints, trembling, stress or restlessness, are not known to occur with guayusa tea.

To avoid the side effects of coffee, the only options are to give it up, cut down drastically or at least switch to correctly roasted coffee, such as our Ecuador coffee, which is roasted by hand and comes from organic permaculture farms. Our guide explains how to stop drinking coffee or cut your intake by 50% overnight without giving up its flavour: ‘Drink less coffee or quit altogether: how to do it’.

3.2. Comparing guayusa with matcha

Compared with Japanese matcha, the perceived effect of Ilex guayusa tea on the cardiovascular system is gentler, while still lasting longer.

Both teas, provided the matcha is genuine Japanese matcha, contain roughly the same amount of antioxidants and are gentle on the stomach.

4. Active compounds in Ilex guayusa

As well as its high caffeine content, guayusa contains a particularly rich range of minerals, vitamins and amino acids, along with L-theanine, theophylline and theobromine. Our article ‘Guayusa tea ingredients’ provides a separate overview and description of all its active compounds.

4.1. L-theanine

L-theanine is used to treat stress, anxiety and depression. The amino acid has been shown to promote relaxation and improve concentration and learning ability.

Notably, L-theanine has so far been found in only two plants and one fungus. Ilex guayusa is one of those plants.

Combined with caffeine, L-theanine can work particularly well and contribute to greater physical and mental performance.

4.2. Theophylline

The active compound theophylline is also found in the plant's leaves. It has stimulating properties and is used to treat lung diseases.

Theophylline widens the airways, helping the body take in oxygen more effectively. Taking theophylline at the same time as theobromine is recommended to intensify its effects.

4.3. Theobromine

Theobromine is also found in Ilex guayusa. This compound promotes blood flow to the brain and stimulates brain performance. It also stimulates the heart and increases its pumping capacity.

4.4. Other ingredients in Ilex guayusa

1. Antioxidants (twice the amount found in green tea)
2. Polyphenols (secondary plant compounds)
3. Carotenoids (provitamin A)
4. Quercetin (a very potent antioxidant)
5. Vitamins C and D
6. Magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc

5. Guayusa flavour

Guayusa has a flavour comparable to mate tea, but without the bitter, smoky aftertaste. It tastes like a fruity, slightly sweet, earthy herbal tea.

First-time drinkers of Ilex guayusa tea may be surprised by how smooth it tastes. Unlike coffee, green tea, black tea or mate, guayusa never turns bitter, so you can drink it even after a long steep.

6. Conclusion: Ilex guayusa is more than an energiser

Ilex guayusa is more than just a morning pick-me-up. Thanks to its unique properties, guayusa tea is one of today's most intriguing plants and is very much on trend. The plant, so valued by the Kichwa people, is also becoming an increasingly popular natural energy drink here.

With its high caffeine content, guayusa can easily hold its own against coffee and other caffeinated drinks. It also contains other active compounds that make its effects considerably more pleasant than those of other caffeinated drinks.