Hibiscus Energ-Tea

Our Hibiscus Mate is a blend of tart hibiscus and earthy green mate, given a little sweetness by the addition of stevia. A yerba mate infusion is traditionally prepared with cold water and ice, but this blend is excellent either prepared hot or cold. This blend balances out the leafy bitterness of the yerba mate and contains caffeine.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus tea contains high amounts of Vitamin C. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C can help boost your immune system and may help to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals in the body. This can reduce your risk of developing significant health complications, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. 

Caution: Hibiscus is often intercropped with peanuts and may produce a response in those with severe peanut allergies.

Potential Allergen: Hibiscus is a member of the Malvaceae family and may cause allergic reactions in people allergic to other plants in this family, such as hollyhocks. Hibiscus also contains tannins and may cause a response in people with a tannin allergy.

Avoid If: Pregnant; known as the emmenagogue effect, hibiscus tea and extracts can encourage uterine blood flow to help stimulate menstruation.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a rich source of antioxidants due to the presence of substances such as xanthines, caffeoyl derivatives, and saponins. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties that may help protect against heart disease.

Caution:  Yerba mate contains caffeine. Too much caffeine can cause headaches, migraines, and high blood pressure in some individuals. Studies show that certain compounds in yerba mate have monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) activity. MAOIs are often prescribed as medications for depression and Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, individuals taking MAOI drugs should use yerba mate with caution.

Avoid if: Taking muscle relaxant.  Due to its caffeine content, yerba mate may also interact with the muscle relaxant Zanaflex or the antidepressant Luvox. Individuals taking these drugs should avoid yerba mate, as it can increase the effects of the drugs.

Stevia

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is an intensely sweet-tasting plant used to sweeten beverages and make tea since the 16th century. The plant is originally native to Paraguay and Brazil but is now grown in China and Japan. 

Stevia is used as a non-nutritive sweetener and herbal supplement. A non-nutritive sweetener contains little to no calories. 

Caution: Pregnant women and individuals sensitive to caffeine or taking certain prescribed medications should drink it cautiously.

Potential Allergen: Stevia is from the Asteraceae plant family, which is known to cause types of allergic reactions for some people, such as Respiratory allergy from pollen exposure

As with every herb, please do your research before use.