Yerba Maté Tea
A Tea From South America

Yerba Maté pronounced ("Mah-Tay") has become a cultural phenomenon throughout South America.
This smooth, full bodied herbal tea is brewed from the leaves of a native holly (Ilex paraguariensis). Also known as an energizer and rejuvenator, this caffeine-rich tea rivals coffee. Yerba Maté contains 24 vitamins and minerals and provides 15 essential amino acids necessary for healthy muscle tissue.
It is said to: energize the body, stimulate mental alertness, aid weight loss, cleanse the colon, gentle diuretic, accelerate healing process, relieve stress, calm allergies, fortify immune system, and increase longevity.

Some prefer the taste of roasted Yerba Maté.

Maté is traditionally brewed in a Maté gourd (lagenaria siceraria), and is sipped through a perforated metal straw called a "bombilla". Maté connoisseurs believe the gourds improve the flavor but your favorite tea cup or mug also works. It can be brewed in a coffee maker, french press, or with a tea filter. It is also available in convenient tea bags. Allow two to four minutes for infusing.

If one is trying to kick the coffee habit, people have found yerba Maté to be a healthful, yet still stimulating, alternative to their cup of coffee.

Try the Maté experience!
The method of preparing the Maté infusion varies considerably from region to region, and it is hotly debated which method yields the finest outcome. However, nearly all methods have some common elements: the gourd is packed with an abundant amount of yerba, and very hot water (typically from 70-80 degrees Celsius [160-180 degrees Fahrenheit] and never boiling) is added.
Preparation:
Traditionally, the dry leaves are placed in a cup, or gourd called a maté, then cold water is added to moisten the leaves and protect the nutrients and flavor. Next, hot water is added until all the leaves are covered. Rather than removing the leaves, sip the tea through a straw called a bombilla which has a filter or strainer at the bottom to prevent the leaves going through the straw. As you drink the tea, add more water to the cup. It can be brewed cold for iced tea. The addition of lemon, mint, or sweetener to taste helps mask the "natural" flavor. It makes a great sun tea.
Successive additions of water extract all the beneficial properties.

More details about preparation, brewing and drinking Maté.