Yerba Mate, also known as Paraguay tea, comes from the South American
evergreen shrub Illex paraguayensis.  This loose leaf herbal tea is harvested
and processed similar to tea leaves.  Like guarana and yopo, mate has a very
high caffeine content.  This was a favorite beverage among Latin Americans
long before European settlers began planting coffee beans.  The flavor is green
and vegetative and is one South America’s traditional beverages rich in
antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids.  The naturally
occuring polyphenols and saponins have been found to stimulate the immune
system and protect against cellular destruction from free radical similar to
those found in green tea.