Botanical Overview
Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. While not among the most extensively documented medicinal plants, this species has recorded uses that warrant attention from researchers and practitioners. This species belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
The leaves of the plant can be steeped in hot water to make a beverage known as mate. Brewed cold, it is used to make tereré. Both the plant and the beverage contain caffeine.
Family Context
The Aquifoliaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Ilex verticillata — 8 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Mate has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Egypt, Jamaica, and others.
Traditional Uses
Mate has been traditionally used for digestive health, urinary tract health, and pain and inflammation, among other applications.
Digestive health.
- Purgative
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Urinary tract health.
- Diuretic
Urinary tract applications typically involve drinking the herb as a mild tea, which increases urine production and helps flush the urinary system. It may be combined with other demulcent herbs to soothe irritated tissues.
Pain and inflammation.
- Rheumatism
For pain and inflammation, preparations are applied both topically as compresses and taken internally. A warm poultice draws blood to the area and promotes healing, while internal preparations address systemic inflammation.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities
- Tannin: astringent compounds that tighten tissues and resist infection