Every Monday, our local, daily newspaper runs a syndicated column called The People’s Pharmacy. I have enjoyed this feature for years because, in addition to topical discussions on prescription drugs, drug policy and timely warnings of problems, it also features many home remedies, folk and herbal medicines and a question and answer section. I have waited for years for a question or a discussion about yerba mate. It finally happened. Boy, was I disappointed!
The People’s Pharmacycolumn is written by Joe and Teresa Graedon, a husband and wife team. Joe is a pharmacologist and Teresa is a medical anthropologist and nutrition expert. In addition to writing the weekly column, they have a website at: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
The People’s Pharmacy(R) franchise actually began in 1972 while the couple was doing research on herbal medicines in Mexico; but, it really took off with the 1976 publication of their best-selling book, also called People’s Pharmacy. This success was followed by the newspaper column and a radio program. The bottom line is: they have credentials.
On March 24, 2008, the following question appeared in their column:
I have high blood pressure and must avoid caffeine. Is yerba mate a caffeinated beverage? I don’t want to drink it if it would affect my blood pressure.
At this point, I was very excited. Now, read their answer:
Yerba mate is a favorite drink in Argentina. It is made from the leaves of a South American holly, and has about as much caffeine in it as coffee. If you need to avoid caffeine, you’ll have to forgo yerba mate.
Can you see why I was so disappointed? It looks as though they just blew this one off. Their answer suggests that the extent of their research and preparation was a quick look into an outdated medical reference book. I have seen this type of one sentence summary in medical reference books in libraries and bookstores. Up-to-date references, especially those emphasizing the rainforest herbs of South America, are readily available. I expected much more from the Graedons.
Over the years, I have truly enjoyed the Graedon’s quirky, yet believable, remedies such as: eating gin-soaked raisins to relieve arthritis pain; placing a bar of soap under a bed sheet to stop restless leg syndrome and leg cramps; and using Listerine to control dandruff. With a rich, colorful history like that, it would not be a big stretch to expect a serious treatise about drinking yerba mate tea to control hayfever, fight fatigue and curtail appetite. Worse yet — I don’t think their answer even gave justice to the question!
I don’t have the same credentials as the Graedons, but after a little research, I have written my own answer to the question:
Yerba mate is an herbal infusion ( “tea” ) that has been used daily for centuries by millions of South Americans as a social drink and health tonic. The U.S. FDA has long included yerba mate on its list of common food substances generally recognized as safe ( “GRAS” ). It contains 196 identifiable, active nutrients including: 20 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids and more antioxidants than green tea. Its unique combination of xanthines — caffeine, theobromine and theophylline — act as a stimulant but without the side effects usually associated with coffee such as jitters, anxiety and stomach upset. According to the Yerba Mate Association of the Americas, the caffeine level of yerba mate ranges from 25 to 65 mg per 8-ounce cup, as compared to an average 30 mg for green tea, 50 mg for black tea and 135 mg for coffee. The ingredients stimulate the myocardial (heart) tissue and simultaneously relax smooth muscle tissue. For most healthy people, when consumed in moderation it is a good addition to a sensible diet.
A 2005 U.S. Patent cites yerba mate extract as an MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor. For this reason, it is theorized that the use of yerba mate in conjunction with other MAO inhibitors may raise blood pressure. People seldom report problems with yerba mate; however, if you are sensitive to caffeine or avoiding it for medical reasons, you should use common sense when introducing yerba mate into your diet.
And finally, a note to Joe and Terry: I’ll continue to read your column, but please, in the future — do your homework!
Salud!
Jim Worsham - is the author, editor, publisher, and owner of this blog. He resides in Long Beach, CA.
March 31st, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Your article on the caffeine content of yerba mate raised a couple points I’ll share. First, I made an abrupt stop drinking coffee about 10 months ago, and I promptly started drinking yerba mate. It was a very smooth transition and I feel better. I like coffee and I do have a decaf occasionally after dinner. Recently, I was in action and without access to yerba mate, so I picked up a cup of coffee. Ummm, good. And no noticeable side affects, just perky. The next morning, I had another cup of coffee. This one got cold and didn’t taste so good. In about 45 minutes I was Wired. Bad. The snarling, cranky, short-tempered kind. Wow, big learning experieince. I appreciated getting back to my kind and gentle yerba mate.
Secondly, I am experiencing symptoms that remind me of my myriad of allergies that I have born since I was born, but different. I am an allergic person with a basically useless nose, except to support my glasses. I am so allergic that my skin itches (exema) and I can get asthma. So I am curious that, while my sinuses are not aggravated, my throat is often dry and my voice shallow. This is not good when I need to speak with authority. I feel like the weakling about to get sand kicked in my face. Not good.
Ever hear of the dry throat symptom?
I really don’t want to revert to dependence on coffee (which is a good decongestant, notwithstanding…)
March 31st, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Great comments.
You are not the first person to notice the dry, scratchy throat that sometimes accompanies the sinus clearing effects of yerba mate. This is the same dry throat that would accompany any sinus medication. Your body will adjust to it over time and your voice will return to normal. Meanwhile, drinking a little water will help somewhat.
Jim
April 8th, 2010 at 10:19 am
We love yerba mate, but I am sensitive to caffeine, and at times I can tell, it is a little too much, do you have any suggestions on how to make it less strong and what brands would help? Is union brand a good quality one? What is your favorite brand? And do you have a favorite blend with herbs or fruit?
Thanks, Sheri
April 8th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Even people who are not “sensitive” to caffeine sometimes go through a period of adjustment when they first start out with yerba mate. On some days you will notice the effect of the caffeine more than others. After a few weeks however, the reaction smooths out and you can experiment to determine an appropriate amount for you. Start out with “one cup a day” and increase your dosage to two or three if you can tolerate it.
Union is good quality and fairly mild. My favorite blend is pomelo.
May 20th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
I was a bit sensitive at first as well. I initially was drinking Taragui mate out of a gourd, a few gourds a day. Quickly found out that was too much for me. Now I put a teaspoon in the filter of my coffeepot to 4 cups of water. Anywhere from 1/2 cup to 1 cup in the morning wakes me up and helps me focus. I’ve found that, for me, the effects seem to add up, so if I need an afternoon pick-me-up, it’s just a few sips.
I noticed the dry throat/sinus effect too. I thought I might be allergic to it, but didn’t want to give it up!
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