Botanical Name - Ilex paraguariensis - Country of Origin - Brazil - Plant Part - Leaves - Form - Powder - Get a natural boost with Yerba Mate! Prepare it the traditional South American way or as a tea. - Yerba Mate is a traditional South American beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries and was also enjoyed by the Spanish Conquistadors and the Jesuits. The traditional preparation is a strong brew, made in a gourd and drunk from a straw type of device. The Jesuits prepared it as more of a tea and Yerba Mate does contain small amounts of naturally occurring caffeine. - Yerba Mate is one of natures natural energy drinks, and is a healthful alternative to coffee. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and polyphenols. It contains the powerful B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and B5) and B complex, vitamins A, C, and E. The minerals potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc. Yerba mate also contains biotin as well as choline, and supplies the body with 15 amino acids; without amino acids, the body cannot build proteins which are a part of all of your bodys cells. Yerba Mate boosts your energy without making you jittery or giving you an energy crash. - Traditional Preparation: Fill a well cured gourd (or modern mate cup) 3/4 full of dried powder mate. Cover the top of the gourd, turn it upside down and shake it to mix up the powder. Turn it back upright and keep the powder sloped at a 45 degree angle inside the gourd and moisten with warm water (never boiling). Moisten again with slightly warmer water and wait until the powder has absorbed the water before inserting the straw (bombilla), then sip and enjoy. - Suggested preparation for Tea: 1 teaspoon of dried leaf per cup of water, boil water and pour over the leaves. Allow to steep for 5 - 6 minutes and enjoy warm.