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The Enchantment of Yerba Maté
(aumenting Stevia & Paraguayan/Brazilian Pau d' Arco)
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- under development -
I grew up in a household where artificially-caffeinated, carbonated and highly-sweetened beverages were rarely
allowed. Instead, we consumed an abundance of H2O, herbal teas and milk (the latter eliminated shortly after
adolescence). Pau d' Arco has graced my shelves nearly twenty years, but it wasn't until one of my nutritionist friends
turned me onto Yerba Maté (
Ilex Paraguariensis) a decade ago, that I felt almost privileged - if you will - to experience
the magic of this enchanting, all-natural tea.

Heralded as "the most powerful rejuvenator known to man", Yerba Maté is renowned for its invigorating effects on the
mind and body and its amazing healing properties, especially when combined with the herbs, Pau d' Arco & Stevia.
Yerba Maté possesses mild stimulant properties, evading the usual side effects and toxicity associated with other
stimulants, such as coffee, as its caffeine content is virtually none. Maté, as it's also referred to, is considered a social
drink in Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, and in modern parts it is elevated to a manner similar to the significant coffee
& tea consumption in Western & Eastern countries.
"Te levanta el espiritu."
A natural antioxidant containing vitamins & minerals, Yerba Maté boosts immunity and empowers such health benefits
as: combating fatigue while eliminating insomnia, controlling the appetite, calming the nerves and reducing stress,
improving physical endurance, detoxifying the blood, clarifying the mind and boosting the mood, cleansing the colon
("death begins in the colon"), nutritionally accelerate the healing process and restoring natural hair color while
impeding the aging process. Yerba Maté is also known to reduce the effects caused by debilitating diseases, as well
as allergies. Maté is used as a catalyst in other herbal preparations by traditional healers in South America. It is rich in
vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2 and B complex; carotene; vitamin C complex; potassium; magnesium; calcium; sodium; iron;
biotin; riboflavin; nicotinic acid; pantothenic acid; silicon; phosphates; sulphur; chlorophyll; choline; inositol;
phosphates and manganese.
To Serve: Heat water slowly and simmer for 10 minutes, if using bags. Loose tea should be placed in
all-natural cotton sachets found at your local health food market. (Do not use metal strainers.) DO NOT
BOIL WATER and DO NOT USE METAL POT. Many prefer to sip their Maté the traditional way, using
an authentic
bombilla (also found at your health food market or specialty store). However, I caution
against using a natural gourd if you have mold or yeast-related issues; if you're fortunate, you may find
one made of ceramic, which is ideal in this case.
Stevia - Native to Paraguay along the Brazilian border and found in China, Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni) is a
small shrub, growing in very rich top soil, whose leaves contain numerous important nutrients. It is most-known for
promoting pancreatic health. It has a long history of safe, therapeutic use as an anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and
natural antibiotic. It also aids and improves digestion, and, like ginger and peppermint, is excellent for soothing an upset
stomach. Stevia is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, depending upon the source. Look for brands with FOS
(fructooligosccharides) - a mildly sweet fiber found in chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, and other fruits and vegetables,
which help nourish our precious, beneficial bacteria.

Research has suggested that high-quality forms of extracted, organic Stevia leaf improves digestion and intestinal
health; strengthens the immunity; helps prevent the overgrowth of Candida (yeast); reduces the cravings for sweets;
supports liver health; enhances the body's natural production of vitamins; promotes regularity, enhances energy and
helps control the formation of free radicals. Stevia contains no calories and has no adverse effect on blood sugar,
making it ideal for Candida sufferers, Diabetics and those suffering from hypoglycemia. Stevia is a wonderful addition to
other teas such as Yerba Maté, beverages, and is an excellent substitute for cooked and baked goods requiring refined
sugar.

Japan consumes more Stevia than any other country and has been using its properties as a food additive in everything
from soda to chewing gum to pickles since the 70's. Stevia has been tested extensively in both human & animal studies,
worldwide, with no adverse side effects. Of the 6,000+ complaints on file with the FDA since 1985, 80% are related to
the artificial sweetener, NutraSweet®, yet it remains on the market.


Pau d' Arco - Also native to Paraguay, Pau d' Arco (Purple Lapacho, also known as Taheebo) is an excellent source
for boosting immunity and warding off illness. Known in the health community as a safe, natural antibiotic, it helps build
blood and a healthy circulatory system and assists the overall detoxification process. It is very effective in reducing
congestion throughout the lymph system, as well as the lungs. Pau d' Arco reduces edema (fluid retention/swelling
caused by an overgrowth of yeast & parasites in the body) and fights fungi, microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, Candida,
parasitic invasion, inflammation and cell oxidation. The herb is harvested from the inner bark of the tree and stripped by
hand. Some brands originating from Paraguay can be found superior to those from Brazil or Argentina. I have
personally found it to be excellent in combating yeast and mold issues, and it should be made part of a regular diet.

To Serve: Pau d' Arco may be served hot or iced and may be refrigerated up to seven (7) days, as it contains
anti-fungal properties. Augment it with Stevia and Yerba Maté for excellent results. Follow same serving instructions as
for Maté.


Disclosure: These statements contained herein have NOT been evaluated by the FDA. Yerba Maté, Stevia and
Pau d' Arco are not intended to treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. Seek professional advice before
attempting to self-heal or self-diagnose.
copyright ©2006
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