Native to the Ecuadorian Amazon, Guayusa has traditionally been consumed by indigenous peoples of the region for mental strength and courage. Guayusa is the dried leaves and stems of a South American rainforest holly which is a close botanical relative to Yerba Mate. A tall tree native to the upper Amazonian regions of Ecuador, northeastern Peru, and southwestern Columbia, guayusa has been collected only rarely by botanists and is known almost exclusively as a cultivated plant. Traditionally, the indigenous cultures of Ecuador boiled guayusa leaves in water and drank the tea for its stimulating effects. Indigenous hunters often drink guayusa to sharpen their instincts and refer to it as the "Night Watchman" since it helps them stay awake and alert all night.
 
Guayusa has twice the antioxidants of bagged green tea and, with about half the caffeine per cup than coffee, it provides sustained, crash-free energy. It also offers chlorogenic acids and amino acids, which promote cardiovascular health and blood circulation. Unflavored, Guayusa has a delicately sweet and slightly earthy taste.
 
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.