Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a popular herbal drink made from dried leaves of the shrub Ilex paraguariensis, native to South America. Yerba mate tea is commonly consumed in countries like Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil. It is gaining popularity due to its potential health benefits. However, scientific studies are needed to support these claims.

Yerba mate contains various chemicals including caffeine, theobromine, polyphenols, saponins, and carotenoids. It also provides nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The primary effect is the stimulant effect of caffeine which may relieve fatigue and boost energy.

Preliminary studies suggest that yerba mate may have antioxidant, anti-diabetic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, and pain-relieving properties. It may potentially aid in weight loss by reducing fat absorption and increasing metabolism and fat oxidation. However, further research is needed to confirm these uses.

Suggested uses of yerba mate include:

• Mental and physical fatigue
• Athletic performance
• Memory and thinking skills
• Headache
• Diuretic
• Weight loss
• Mood enhancement
• Analgesic
• Depression

Warnings

• Do not take yerba mate if you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Avoid yerba mate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or giving it to children.
• Excessive consumption of yerba mate, especially when combined with alcohol and smoking, may increase the risk of esophageal and other cancers.
• Exercise caution if you have anxiety disorders, bleeding disorders, heart conditions, diabetes, diarrhea, seizures, glaucoma, irritable bowel syndrome, or osteoporosis.

Side Effects

Common side effects of yerba mate include excess stimulation, insomnia, upset stomach, hypertension, increased heart rate, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and increased risk of certain cancers with excessive use.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects:

• Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, sudden dizziness (serious heart symptoms)
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, seeing halos around lights (serious eye symptoms)

These are not all the possible side effects or adverse reactions. Contact your doctor or report any side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage

There are no established typical dosing guidelines for yerba mate. It is commonly consumed by steeping dried leaves in hot water for 10 minutes.

Overdose:

Yerba mate overdose can cause adverse effects such as insomnia, increased heart rate, and upset stomach, which should resolve with discontinuation of use. Prolonged excessive intake of yerba mate tea may increase the risk of certain cancers, especially in individuals who smoke or drink alcohol.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to check for possible interactions.

• Yerba mate has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild interactions may occur with medications like armodafinil, caffeine, dexmethylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, modafinil, phentermine, serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate, and yohimbine.

It is important to always inform your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Avoid yerba mate during pregnancy due to potential risks like increased cancer risk and high caffeine content.
• Avoid yerba mate while breastfeeding as its effects on breastmilk are unknown and it contains caffeine and potentially carcinogenic chemicals.
• Consult your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additional Information

• Yerba mate tea is likely safe for most adults in recommended doses for up to 12 weeks.
• Follow label instructions and be cautious with natural products.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements, especially if you have any health conditions or take regular medication.
• Read labels and check the components of the yerba mate product you choose.
• Yerba mate supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so exercise caution in choosing products.
• Store yerba mate supplements safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.

Summary

Yerba mate tea is used for various purposes, but scientific evidence supporting its uses is limited. Avoid it if you have high blood pressure or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving it to children. Common side effects include excess stimulation, insomnia, upset stomach, hypertension, increased heart rate, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and increased cancer risk with excessive use.