Most people think of herbal teas as being caffeine-free, but there are a few notable exceptions. Guayusa tea, or just guayusa (also spelled wayusa) is among these exceptions; it is a naturally caffeinated herbal tea made from the plant Ilex guayusa, a species of holly native to South America. Guayusa is actually very closely related to another plant used to create another caffeinated herbal tea, Ilex paraguariensis, or Yerba mate.
Where does guayusa come from?
Guayusa originates in a specific region of the Amazon rainforest, in a section of forest located primarily in Ecuador but also extending into Columbia and Peru. The drink has a long history of consumption among the indigenous peoples of this region, dating back to at least 500AD and possibly earlier.
In modern times, the bulk of guayusa production is located in Ecuador. The production of this herb can be carried out in natural, intact forested areas, as a wild harvest, or as a sustainable forest agriculture, in contrast to the bulk plantations of western-style agriculture used to produce most coffee and tea. In some respects this makes guayusa more sustainable and ecologically friendly, much in the same way that shade-grown coffee is better for protecting the environment.
How is guayusa made into a drink?
The production of guayusa is similar to that for Yerba mate, and to some degree similar to that of the tea plant and other herbal teas. The leaves are gathered, withered, and dried. Most guayusa is harvested by farmers
In terms of brewing your own cup or pot of guayusa tea, it can be done just as you would tea or other herbal teas. Guayusa is available both in tea bags and in loose-leaf form. If using the loose-leaf form, you will need a strainer or tea infuser, as there can be small pieces of leaf that need to be strained out. If using a tea bag, just brew as you would a normal cup of tea. Although it may seem less convenient, it is best to use loose-leaf rather than tea bags, both for superior flavor, and because with tea bags you pay for packaging rather than the product itself.
Where can I buy guayusa?
Guayusa is not well-known outside the countries in which it is produced, and accordingly, it is not widely available in the United States. There is, however, one company which specializes exclusively in guayusa, offering both pure and flavored blends, which is Runa Guayusa. The tea company Stash Tea also sells loose-leaf guayusa, available through its website. The company Sunfoods, which specializes in organic raw foods, also sells guayusa. The brand Ayni foods also sells guayusa. There are a few other providers that sell the herb in bulk, but the ones mentioned here are the ones best-known for selling to consumers.
Is guayusa healthy?
Unfortunately, there have been very few studies on the health effects of guayusa specifically. As it is related to yerba mate, however, it seems likely that its effects on health may be similar to Yerba mate. Yet mate itself also has a lot of uncertainty about its possible health benefits. That said, with a very long history of traditional use, it is likely that this drink is safe in moderate quantities.
That said, some companies promote the "health benefits" of guayusa as a way of marketing their product. It is best to view these claims with skepticism. In the absence of citing specific studies or documentation of traditional use, these claims are best ignored. Guayusa is a natural drink and is probably much healthier than a number of things, such as soft drinks, but in the end it is primarily a beverage. Drink it if you like the way it tastes and the way you feel after drinking it.
In summary:
Guayusa is a little known plant used to produce a naturally caffeinated drink, somewhat similar to yerba mate, and distinct from tea and coffee. Guayusa is not widely available in the United States, but it is becoming more so, and is easily available online from a variety of companies.
Alex Zorach is the founder and editor-in-chief of RateTea, the web's authoritative source for information about tea and herbal teas. This site has a database of teas classified by brand, style, and region, with user generated ratings and reviews, and a wealth of information about different varieties of tea. Visit this site to find different places you can obtain guayusa tea, and to read and share reviews of different brands of guayusa.
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