Allow me to introduce you to your new favorite tea!
Guayusa’s (Ilex guayusa) belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family (aka the holly family), which also includes the popular caffeinated herbal tea yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis). Guayusa (pronounced “why-you-sah”) is a holly tree species native to the Amazon rainforest regions of South America, particularly in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia.
Historical records suggest that guayusa has been used and traded as a medicinal plant in the greater Andes–Amazon region since around 500 CE. The Kichwa, Jivaro and Shuar indigenous groups of Ecuador have among the longest recorded use and regard it as a sacred plant. They would harvest and dry the leaves, then brew them into a tea that was consumed daily, especially in the early morning hours before going to the forest to hunt or farm. It’s often consumed in the early morning hours before dawn as part of spiritual rituals and communal gatherings. Guayusa ceremonies are believed to foster a connection with nature, ancestors and spiritual beings, as well as provide clarity, insight, and strength for the day ahead.
In traditional Amazonian medicine practices, guayusa leaf tea was for it’s anti-inflammatory, diuretic, digestive and stimulant properties used for:
- increasing energy, alertness and concentration
- aiding digestion and treating stomach issues like diarrhea and dysentery
- cleansing the blood of excess sugars as an aid for diabetics
- relieving headaches and body aches
- lowering fevers and treating flu-like symptoms
- fertility treatments and post-partum recovery
- boosting the immune system and fighting infections
- spiritual and ceremonial purposes by shamans, who believed it heightened dream awareness and communication with spiritual realms
Guayusa stands out from other teas thanks to its distinctive smoky, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. Most true teas (Camellia sinensis) go through an oxidation process where the leaves are rolled or crushed to initiate enzymatic oxidation before heating stops the process. This oxidation level determines if it becomes a green, oolong or black tea. Guayusa leaves, on the other hand, are typically fire-cured or roasted over a wood fire. This roasting process gives guayusa its characteristic robust, toasted, slightly smoky notes.
Guayusa contains relatively low levels of tannins compared to black or green teas. with minimal bitterness.
Sustained energy (without the crash)
Guayusa is valued for its energizing and stimulating effects, which help increase alertness, focus and physical endurance. But unlike other stimulants like coffee, guayusa provides a sustained energy boost without the jitters or crash.
Guayusa leaves contain a significant amount of caffeine, though the exact amount can vary based on factors like growing conditions, processing methods and brew strength. Generally speaking, guayusa tends to have a caffeine content that falls somewhere between that of black tea and coffee.
So generally, in terms of caffeine levels, it goes something like this:
And, of course, herbal tea has zero caffeine.
So yeah, guayusa contains a fair amount of caffeine as well as caffeine-like compounds that work together to provide a balanced and sustained energy boost. This can help prevent the sudden spikes and crashes in energy levels that are often associated with other caffeinated beverages, promoting a more stable and relaxed state.
In most caffeinated plants like coffee, tea leaves and cacao, the caffeine exists in a simple, unbound molecular state. The caffeine in guayusa, on the other hand, is bound to larger molecular compounds, which may contribute to its smoother, less jittery energizing effects.
A large portion of the caffeine in guayusa leaves is structurally bound to larger chlorogenic acid molecules. Chlorogenic acids are a family of polyphenol antioxidant compounds. In guayusa, the caffeine molecules are chemically attached to these chlorogenic acid compounds, forming caffeine-chlorogenic acid complexes. This bound, complex state is absorbed and metabolized in the body more slowly than free, unbound caffeine molecules, contributing to guayusa’s distinctly smooth, sustained energy effects.
And while caffeine is the primary stimulant in guayusa, it also contains theobromine, a milder stimulant (also found in cocoa) that provides a calm, focused energy. Theophylline is another constituent in guayusa that acts as a mild bronchodilator and smooth muscle relaxant. These compounds have synergistic effects when combined with caffeine. Theobromine in particular is believed to extend the energy “curve” provided by the caffeine, providing a balanced and sustained energy boost without the sudden spikes and crashes.
The interesting thing about guayusa, is while it’s valued for its energizing effects thanks to its caffeine content and other stimulating compounds, it can also have calming and relaxing effect. Guayusa contains the amino acid L-theanine, which is known for its calming and stress-reducing effects. L-theanine promotes the production of alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxation and mental clarity.
Of course, individual sensitivity to stimulants can vary wildly from person to person, so while guayusa may provide an energizing effect for many people, others may find that it has a more relaxing or calming effect on them. If you’re not sure which category you fall in, I suggest trying guayusa for the first time earlier in the day. If you’re like me and wouldn’t drink a cup of caffeinated coffee after noon, then you probably don’t want to drink a cuppa guayusa either. YMMV
Supporting ingredients
A well-balanced energy tea isn’t just about stimulation — it’s about creating harmony between invigoration and calm, endurance and restoration. Each ingredient in this blend plays a role in achieving that equilibrium.
This little herb is a powerhouse in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Gotu kola is a valued as a nootropic, meaning it supports cognitive function, memory and mental clarity. It doesn’t contain caffeine, but it enhances circulation and oxygenation to the brain, promoting focus and alertness without overstimulation. Adding it to the guayusa-based blend helps round out the tea’s energizing effects, preventing that jacked up, jittery feeling some people experience from caffeine.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Hibiscus adds a gorgeous ruby-red hue to the tea along with a tart, cranberry-like flavor that balances the earthy smokiness of guayusa. But beyond taste, hibiscus is packed with antioxidants and supports healthy blood pressure and circulation. The vitamin C and polyphenols in hibiscus also offer gentle adrenal support, which is key in maintaining sustained energy levels without burnout.
Citrus peels contain natural bioflavonoids and volatile oils that enhance the tea’s aroma and flavor while also supporting digestion and circulation. The uplifting, citrusy notes help brighten the blend both in taste and effect, making it an excellent companion to the more grounding and rich flavors of guayusa.
While primarily included for taste, dried mango adds a bit of natural sweetness and fruitiness that makes the blend more enjoyable without needing added sweeteners. Mango also contains trace minerals and enzymes that aid digestion, ensuring that the tea remains gentle on the stomach.
Together, these ingredients create a tea that supports the body in a way that feels both invigorating and balanced — energizing yet smooth, stimulating but without the post-caffeine slump. Perfect for fueling your day with clarity and calm endurance!
A word about sustainability
While still a relatively small-scale niche product, the guayusa trade currently emphasizes sustainable wild harvesting, supporting indigenous producers, and creating economic incentives for rainforest preservation in South America.
Since guayusa is a shade-tolerant crop that happily grows in the understory of the rainforest canopy, it does not contribute to habitat destruction. It requires few inputs like pesticides or fertilizers when grown naturally in its native environment and many indigenous growers practice organic, regenerative agroforestry methods. There are also cooperatives and initiatives in place to ensure a fair wage and market access for these indigenous guayusa farmers.
I reached out to Mountain Rose Herbs where I sourced my guayusa leaves, and was helpfully pointed toward a blog post they published on the very subject.
“The guayusa we carry at Mountain Rose Herbs is grown in forest habitats that help to support the balance of all flora and fauna (as opposed to being grown in a monoculture where all plant life is eradicated save for one commercial crop). Supporting the natural biodiversity of these growing areas helps maintain ecosystem vitality, attracting insects and animals, reducing the impact of .deforestation and maintaining soil integrity.”
These continued ethical practices will be important as its market grows.
Balanced Energy Tea Blend
Ingredients
2 parts guayusa leaves, dried*
1 part dried mango pieces, roughly chopped
1/2 part gotu kola leaves, dried
1/2 part hibiscus flowers, dried
1/2 part orange peel, dried (optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and gently stir to evenly distribute.
Transfer your tea blend to an airtight glass jar or a resealable baggie. Store in a cool, dark place away from moisture and direct sunlight to preserve freshness and potency.
Brew your perfect cup:
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of the tea blend per 8 ounces of hot water (adjust to taste).
Cover with hot water just off the boil (about 190F to 200F) for 5-7 minutes for a smooth, full-bodied flavor.
Strain and enjoy as is, or add a touch of honey if you prefer a bit of sweetness.
Notes
Feel free to adjust guayusa up or down depending on how much caffeine you want your blend to contain.
