WHAT IS THE HERB GUAYUSA AND HOW DO YOU USE IT?
Guayusa - besides being quite a tongue twister - is a herb from the Amazon rainforest that indigenous people have used for centuries as a healthy pick-me-up. The leaves of this tree, which can grow 30 metres tall, are dried and then brewed into tea. Recently, it has become popular in the West because of its stimulant properties as well as its potential health benefits. Read here how to use Guayusa and what all this herb is good for.
What is Guayusa?
Guayusa(Ilex guayusa) is a plant that is related to holly. This potent little plant is native to the vast Amazon rainforest in South America. The leaves of the Guayusa plant are dried and brewed into a tea-like beverage. While Guayusa has only recently been found in the western world, it has been consumed by indigenous tribes for centuries. In the traditional preparation of guayusa, the leaves are roasted over an open fire and then soaked in hot water for several minutes. This process produces a greenish drink that resembles green tea in taste.
The effects of Guayusa
Guayusa is known for its uplifting and stimulating properties. You can compare its effects and active ingredients to those of Yerba maté, which you may already be familiar with. The leaves are especially rich in caffeine, theobromine and theanine. One cup of Guayusa tea contains as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. The caffeine makes it a mild stimulant.
The second substance, theobromine, like caffeine, can boost your concentration and mood. Theobromine is also found in chocolate. This substance also works to lower blood pressure.
A third active ingredient in Guayusa is L-theanine. This amino acid has one great distinguishing feature: it counteracts that bloated feeling that caffeine can sometimes give. The combination of these substances results in what users describe as 'uplifting effects and clear focus'.
Is Guayusa healthy?
Just because something makes you feel good does not necessarily mean it is healthy. That is why we take a closer look at the effects of Guayusa on your health. What other substances does it contain, and what does science say about it?
First, it contains antioxidants. These counter free radicals in your body; in other words, they clean up harmful substances. The specific antioxidants found in Guayusa protect against type 2 diabetes, among other things. A study, for instance, shows that it can help stabilise blood sugar levels. Tea made from these leaves also acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Guayusa is also said to support digestion, boost the immune system and help prevent various chronic diseases. It also provides a range of vitamins and minerals that can support general health, such as vitamin C and magnesium. Sounds healthy, then!
How to use it.
Guayusa can be consumed as a tea, in loose form or as a concentrate. For example, with our Guayusa drops. To make a cup of Guayusa tea, add a teaspoon of the leaves to a cup of hot water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Do you use a concentrate like the drops from 24high.co.uk? If so, be sure to follow the instructions provided! Guayusa can also be added to smoothies, juices or other drinks for an extra energy boost.
Is it something for you?
Guayusa is popular among both Amazonian forest dwellers and users who have recently discovered it, and for good reason. The big advantage of this drug is that it gives energy and focus without making people nervous. The latter makes it ideal for people who cannot stand caffeine very well but are looking for an energy boost. Also, the various health benefits linked to Guayusa make it a recommended addition to your lifestyle. Have you tried it yet?
Prefer a different boost? Check out all our stimulant products here!
