Mate has grown over the years into a widely enjoyed drink, consumed much like tea or coffee. Let's take a moment to look back at the history of mate, a drink deeply rooted in its region of origin: Argentina and southern Brazil. The plant known as Yerba Mate was first cultivated by the Guaraní people, then developed by Spanish settlers and Jesuit missionaries. Today there are many varieties of yerba mate, including traditional mate, flavoured mate, and organic yerba mate. Drinking yerba mate brings numerous benefits for your health and body, as supported by scientific research. So when is the best time to drink mate to get the most out of it?
Drinking Yerba Mate in the Morning: What to Expect
When should you drink yerba mate? Yerba mate can be enjoyed at different times of day, depending on what you're looking for. Mate is a herbal remedy plant with stimulating, energising and comforting properties. Drunk regularly in the morning, mate can be a complete substitute for coffee. It is an energising drink rich in B vitamins, magnesium and antioxidants, giving your body all the energy it needs to get through the day, without the overstimulating side effects that coffee can bring. Often used as part of a detox, it is a natural antioxidant that helps cleanse the body. It is also considered a natural aid for weight management when combined with a balanced diet and weight-loss goals. Mate acts effectively as a diuretic and supports better digestion. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great way to start the day on the right foot. Finally, a cup of mate first thing in the morning is an excellent way to help combat bad cholesterol, heart disease, rheumatic conditions and high blood pressure.
Drinking Yerba Mate in the Evening
When should you drink yerba mate? As we've just seen, drinking mate in the morning offers undeniable benefits for your health and immune system, helping to fight both physical and mental fatigue. That said, drinking yerba mate in the evening can also be advantageous. The drink is well known for its calming and soothing qualities. Brewing a cup before bed can help ease insomnia and reduce headaches and nervous tension. Its theophylline content and warmth contribute to relieving stress and calming heart palpitations. Mate promotes a more peaceful and restful sleep. That said, do check that yerba mate has no contraindications for you by speaking with your doctor. It is advisable, for example, to avoid drinking it at all hours of the day due to its caffeine content. As a general rule, we recommend no more than two cups per day.
How to Prepare Yerba Mate
Now that you know when to drink yerba mate, here's how to prepare it. The process is just as simple as brewing tea. Start by selecting a few mate leaves, place them in hot water for a few minutes and allow them to steep and release their aromas. Strain before serving.
Mate: Where to Find It and What Form to Choose
If you're looking to buy mate, you can choose between loose-leaf mate, powdered mate or mate bags. You'll also have your pick from the many varieties available on the market. To purchase, you can order mate and its traditional accessories (the calabash gourd and the bombilla metal straw) online, from a herbalist or from an official tea shop. All that's left is to try it for yourself and discover the many medicinal qualities of this remarkable plant.
Explore our range of organic mate in loose-leaf form: green mate, traditional mate, and fruity blends (orange, pomegranate, mango-guava). Certified organic, delivered across mainland France.