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Ilex paraguariensis is native to subtropical areas of South America. Growing up in the basins of rivers, typically in wet areas.
Ilex paraguariensis is well represented in northwestern ParanĂ¡, Argentina, Uruguay, some tributaries of the "Rio Paraguay", southern Brazil and Bolivia.
Yerba mate was used and consumed for the first time by the GuaranĂ people. This practice spread hugely in colonial times, due to the Jesuit Missions.
Today it is widely cultivated and faithfully consumed in Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
In Syria and Lebanon is also a popular habit.
Ilex paraguariensis is a small tree, dioecious, reaching 15-18 m tall.
The leaves are evergreen, alternate, obovate, with a serrated margin and quite leathery.
The flowers are simple, small, unisexual, with four greenish-white petals grouped in corymbose inflorescences in the axils of the leaves.
The fruit is a small dark red drupe (4-6 mm in diameter).
Ilex paraguariensis contains xanthines such as caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. These components give to Yerba mate an energizing effect, due to the ability to stimulate the CNS.
It is also a powerful antioxidant and has a large amount of vitamins and minerals (mainly potassium and magnesium).
Therefore, Yerba mate is also diuretic, digestive and purifying. It is thought to be good for treating obesity.
The leaves, dried over fire and milled, are generally used as an infusion, constituting a traditional drink called Mate or Paraguayan tea.
It is traditionally prepared in a dried and empty gourd (from where is derived the word "Mate") and absorbed with a "bombilla"
It is also typically, especially in Paraguay, what it is called "Tereré", which is prepared with cold water and other medicinal plants like Mentha.
Mate or Paraguayan tea has a bitter flavor, and it is similar to some varieties of green tea.
Mate is typically consumed when gathering friends, as a social ritual, but is also common the individual consumption.