Tea made from Mate is popular in South America, the only source of the plant and is known as the "drink of the gods". Its medicinal parts are the dried or roasted leaves, proven to be a rich source of caffeine. Like coffee, Mate stimulates the central nervous system and has a diuretic effect. It also increases heart contraction force, affects heart rhythm, and breaks down sugars and fats. Green Mate Leaf perks you up and tastes delicious. Its been used for hundreds of years to combat fatigue, stimulate the mind, boost immunity, detoxify, normalize blood pressure, tone the nervous system, control the appetite, restore youthful hair color, retard aging and cure insomnia. Modern folk use also extends to metabolizing fat for weight loss, balancing sleep patterns and increasing libido.

Mass Market teas typically have a 5-6% antioxidant level. This tea has a ultra high antioxidant level of 8.8%

Hot Tea:
- Infuse in water of about 190F/90C
- Steep for 3-4 minutes (longer=stronger)
- Use approx. half an ounce
- Some folks add honey or a splash of lemon!
- In a pot pour 4 tablespoons for a 12 cup pot.

Iced Tea:
- Measure 1 ounce to 1/2 gallon of water
- Chill and serve

For a Stronger Iced Tea Brew:
- Fill a pot with 10-12 cups of water
- Use 3-4 tablespoons of mate
- Pour into a pitcher
- Brew another 4-5 cups with prev.brewed mate
- Combine this with the first brew
- Add about 10 ice cubes
- Sweeten with sugar
- Place in refrigerator to chill for a strong brew