Guayusa Organic 100 g

Organic Guayusa

Guayusa, which is pronounced ‘ghwy-you-sa’, means ‘night watchman’, as it is sometimes used to keep people awake at night. This is the name given by the Kichwa people to an evergreen tree whose leaves are used to make tea. Guayusa trees, also known as ‘svetlina’ (Ilex guayusa), grow to a height of between 6 and 30 metres and have elongated, glossy green leaves.

The oldest findings show that the indigenous Kichwa people began cultivating guayusa 1,000 years ago. Guayusa is most likely the tea leaf with the highest caffeine content in the world, as it contains up to 7.6 per cent caffeine!

Guayusa is widespread in the Amazon rainforest, but is most commonly cultivated in Ecuador. Its leaves are traditionally harvested, dried and used to make herbal tea, which is prized for its high caffeine and antioxidant content.

Some believe that guayusa has additional benefits. It is rich in vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants. Furthermore, it contains compounds such as theobromine, which is also found in cocoa and is known for its mood-boosting properties.

What is guayusa tea

Guayusa is a herbal drink, often advertised as a healthier energy boost than coffee and energy drinks.

The Kichwa indigenous people, who speak a native language characteristic of the Amazon rainforest, have been drinking guayusa tea for hundreds of years as part of ritual hunting ceremonies to gain spiritual clarity and prepare themselves physically for the physically demanding life in the rainforest. The indigenous people of Ecuador use it particularly before going to sleep to connect with higher states of consciousness.

It also lacks bitterness and a sharp taste, as it is almost entirely free of tannins, which also allows for repeated steeping of the leaves. Instead, it has a crisp, sweet flavour, which is wonderful on its own or combined with soya, rice or nut milk.

The effects of guayusa

Guayusa tea has an interesting effect: on the one hand, it is stimulating due to its high caffeine content, whilst on the other hand, it provides a pleasant sense of calm and balance, probably due to accompanying compounds such as L-theanine and theobromine.

Guayusa can improve your mental state and focus. It contains a lot of caffeine, which is known as a stimulant. It also contains theobromine, an alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine. Furthermore, theobromine is found in foods such as chocolate and cocoa powder. It has been shown that the combination of coffee and theobromine improves mood, alertness and concentration, and may also improve short-term brain function.

Guayusa contains numerous antioxidants. By combating free radicals – unstable chemicals in the body – they reduce oxidative stress. In this way, they can reduce the risk of developing numerous chronic diseases.

The high concentration of caffeine in Guayusa may aid weight loss. Natural stimulants such as caffeine can boost metabolism and increase the number of calories your body burns.

Storage and warnings

Store in a dry, dark and cool place. Dried leaves should be kept in an airtight bag or container until use.

Guayusa contains naturally occurring caffeine.

Packaging

An airtight zip-lock bag, which preserves the product’s freshness and aroma. The packaging protects against light and air, as it consists of several layers of protection that preserve the properties of the contents.

The packaging is very practical and can be recycled.

Origin

Ecuador