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| Most Common Name: |
Mate, Yerba Mate (the drink) |
| Botanical
Name: | Ilex Paraguayensis | | Also
Known As (other names): | Paraguay herb, Ilex Mate,
Yerba Mate, Jesuit's Tea, Brazil Tea. |
Mate description and
origin: |
Although this rather large shrub grows wild near streams in
Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, most of the dried Mate available
commercially is cultivated in plantations throughout South America.
Mate Yerba, an infusion of the leaves, is a very popular drink (more popular
than tea or coffee) in South America where it is drunk with every meal and
frequently through the day. Very little of the total production of dried Mate
leaves ever leave South America where vast quantities are consumed every day.
Mate Yerba taste is bitter and astringent and the aroma, although very
aromatic, is not very pleasant but one soon gets used to it.
Mate
Constituents (Mate Ingredients): | |
Below we list reported
constituents of Mate. This may not be complete as continuous research
constantly discovers new constituents. |
Caffeine: Caffeine is a mentholated xanthine.
Caffeine is a very effective central nervous system
stimulant, overcoming fatigue and sleepiness as well as increasing alertness.
Prolonged use can lead to chronic insomnia and overdose will cause insomnia,
agitation and tremours. Caffeine also increases
the heart rate and raises metabolism as well as raising blood pressure. Caffeine
is sometimes effective against migraines.
Caffeine is habit forming and in addicts withdrawal can cause severe headaches. Caffeic Acid: A Phenylpropanoid found in many plants with a
bigger concentration in coffee beans. Caffeic Acid is analgesic and
anti-inflammatory.
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Phenylpropanoids: A phenol.
Phenylpropanoids are therapeutically beneficial
and generally not toxic. Most Phenylpropanoids are analgesic,
anti-inflammatory and hypotensive
Phenol: Phenol is extracted from coal tar.
Phenol has an anesthetic and disinfectant effect on the skin but is very toxic
and must not be ingested. even in very small quantities phenol may cause nausea,
vomiting, paralysis, convulsions and respiratory failure.
Fatalities from skin absorption has been reported as well
as circulatory collapse. This product should not be used under any
circumstances. |
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Triterpenoid Saponins: A glycoside with
triterpenoid aglycone structures.
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Saponins: Wound healing, anti-scarring. Saponins occur as
glycosides with aglycone structures that are steroidal or terpenoid. Saponins can cause the
destruction of red blood cells if injected causing anaemia or worse. Ingested
saponins are poorly absorbed in the digestive system reducing the risk of
poisoning but care must be taken on dosage as Saponins are mucus membrane
irritants.
Many herbs containing saponins have been identified as
"adaptogens" also referred to as harmony remedies (see: The Root of
being: Ginseng and the Pharmacology of Harmony - Stephen Fulder 1980).
Instead of being purely remedial herbs these adaptogens improves and energizes
vitality and resistance thereby keeping ailments at bay. It is claimed that
these adaptogens can improve mental functions like learning speed, awareness and
alertness as well as help with emotional and intellectual stress. As a tonic
they will also reduce the risk of infections by stimulating the immune system. Saponins are also expectorant, anti-inflammatory,
hepaprotective, combats cholesterol build up and antifungal. |
Tannins: Tannins are the largest group of polyphenols found
widely in bark, wood, leaves and even some fruit. Widely used to tan animal
hides in the leather production industry this constituent is an Astringent,
works against inflammation in mucus membranes and other skin conditions,
prevents bleeding of small wounds as well as uterine bleeding and is effective
against diarrhoea and dysentery. Tannins should be used with care as they
tend to inhibit the absorption of other nutrients and substances therefore
reducing the efficacy of other medicinal compounds in the medication.
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Mate Contraindications, do not use if: | |
Throat cancer has been linked to high and prolonged consumption of Mate
Yerba | Large doses can induce vomiting and act as a
purgative. | | | | | | |
We cannot warrant that this list of contraindications are complete or valid. We urge that you consult an
appropriate and knowledgeable practitioner before treatment. |
Mate
is Administered as/Available in: | |
infusion | dried leaves | powder | | | | |
* Statements made
have not been evaluated by American Food and Drug Authority or similar board
or authority of any other country.
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any dietary change, taking or ceasing to take any medication, starting or
stopping a treatment of any suspected or diagnosed medical condition or self
improvement plan. |
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