Sleep

Claims

One popular claim is that Yerba Mate can improve sleep (e.g., retailer Guayaki). These claims are supported by both its historical use and medical research.

Dr. Tenorio Sanz notes that people report requiring less sleep when using Yerba Mate. ( "Mineral Elements in Mate Herb (Ilex Paraguariensis St. H.), "Arch Latinoam Nutr 41.3 (1991): 441-54.) Generally, during sleep the mind is active while the body rests. Yerba Mate, as noted in Chemical Properties is the perfect tool to reach this state.

Charles Darwin noted in 1836 what holds true today, "We arrived at camp during the night, and after drinking a lot of Yerba Mate, I prepared to go to sleep. I was surprised to discover that my sleep was very deep and refreshing, Although the wind was very strong and the night was chilly, I never slept more comfortable". Darwin goes on to note that "he had the most profound dreams as a result of drinking the tea. (Voyage of the Beagle)

Yerba Mate will stimulate the mind. Many are able to fall asleep with an active mind (e.g., counting sheep), but others find that an active mind keeps them awake, even if the body is relaxed. For this reason, Yerba Mate may not be beneficial for those whose minds keep them awake.

Yerba Mate, consumed in the Traditional Method, is an amazing stimulant that can improve the sleeping experience for many of its users.

General Benefit Note:

Jane Higdon, Ph.D, Oregon State University, writes that it may be difficult to drink enough of a tea "to reach sufficient plasma and tissue levels of tea polyphenols to realize a protective effect." The American Chemical Society supports this claim by noting that the "direct measurements in people's blood" when using a tea without the gourd and straw are "typically less than one-tenth" the amount shown to produce any significant result. (2003) Fortunately, the Traditional Method of consuming Yerba Mate increases your ability to gain its many benefits. Laboratory tests confirm that drinking mate via the Traditional Method may be the only way to recieve certain benefits (Bixby, 2005; c.v. Palermo, 2003).

Drinking very little water with tea is an ancient and important principle that should be considered when drinking Yerba Mate. One can not safely recommend drinking copious amounts of water with it. The Traditional Method of drinking Yerba Mate with gourd and straw, which uses very little water, is the most effective way to benefit from it's many nutritive values (Bixby, 2005: Life Science).

Benefit Disclaimer

Please keep in mind that each persons body is unique and sleeping problems should be taken seriously. Please use our information as a springboard for research into your specific needs. Of course, it is recommended to discuss any information with your doctor and listen to the specific needs of your body.

-above information from www.yerbatea.com