Maté & the Body

Natural Components & Warnings

Main Ingredients:

  • Dried and ground leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant
  • No chemical additives or preservatives (when purchased in natural form)


For People with Sensitivities:

  • Belongs to the woody plant family (similar to holly)
  • Should be avoided by those with allergies to strong herbs or concentrated botanical substances


Does it contain caffeine?

Yes, maté contains caffeine, but it differs from coffee caffeine

In addition to caffeine, it also includes:

  • Theobromine (also found in chocolate)
  • Theophylline (also found in tea)

That’s why maté is considered a mild to moderate stimulant.

It provides focused energy without the jittery rush or crashes often caused by high doses of coffee caffeine.

Water Temperature in Maté Preparation

Temperature plays a crucial role in preparing maté.

As mentioned before, this is not a random process

It depends on a precise balance, which is an essential part of the ritual.


Ideal Water Temperature:

Between 70°C and 80°C

The water should never be boiled (i.e., not 100°C), because boiling:

  • Destroys the natural flavor of the leaves
  • Spoils the taste and intensifies the bitterness
  • May damage the bombilla or the wooden cup


If you don’t have a thermometer, you can observe visual cues:

When small bubbles begin to appear around the edges, but the water hasn't yet boiled  that’s usually the perfect moment.


What if You Add Milk Instead of Water?

It’s not common, but some people like to experiment with this variation.


If you want to try it, keep these things in mind:

The milk must be hot but not boiled

  • Just like water: 70–75°C
  • Boiling it ruins the flavor and creates an unpleasant film on top


Full-fat milk gives a rich texture, but might overpower the maté flavor

  • Best to try in small amounts first

It's better to heat the milk separately

  • Don’t mix it with water while heating

Cold milk doesn't work well

  • It kills the essence of the drink warmth, focus, and balance

Types of Maté (By Cut)

Fine Cut Maté:

A finely ground powder that brews quickly and yields a strong taste, but tends to leave a lot of sediment in the cup.

Common in some Syrian brands.


Coarse Cut Maté:

Lightly crushed or chopped leaves, less bitter, cleaner in the cup,

but requires a longer brewing time. Preferred in traditional Latin preparation.


Sin Polvo (Dust-Free):

Maté without the fine powder found in traditional blends offers a cleaner, smoother taste.

Some varieties also include stems, which affect the flavor:

→ Fewer stems = stronger taste

Types of Cups (By Culture)

Wooden Cup (e.g., bomba wood or olive wood)

Common in Syria and Lebanon

Calabaza (hollowed gourd)

Popular in Argentina

Stainless Steel or Ceramic Cup

Modern, easy to clean, used in some cultures

Thermal Thermos with Spout

Essential with the cup to maintain water temperature accurately

Tools Used to Prepare Maté

Bombilla (metal straw):

Usually made of stainless steel or copper, with a small built-in filter at the bottom.


Additional Filter:

A small insert placed inside the cup or straw to reduce sediment.


Thermometer:

Used to keep the water precisely between 70–80°C.


Maté Bag:

A small pouch that holds the thermos, bombilla, and cup—commonly carried by maté lovers as part of their daily habit.

 1. Effects of Maté on the Body:

  • Enhances focus and alertness without causing sudden tension
  • Has mild mood-lifting properties
  • Acts as a diuretic (important for those with kidney issues)


 2. Is It Addictive?

  • Maté is not considered biologically addictive
  • However, it can develop a strong emotional and social bond, similar to coffee or tea
  • The act of drinking it becomes part of a shared experience or daily ritual

 Tips for First-Time Drinkers

  • Try it without sugar the first time to understand the real taste
  • Use fewer leaves if the bitterness feels too strong
  • Add mint or lemon to soften your first impression
  • Don’t boil the water keep it at green tea temperature (~70–80°C)


 Detailed Health Effects of Maté

Observation Effect
A mild stimulant—ideal before work or study Energy
Improves alertness without the jittery anxiety often caused by coffee Focus
Said to aid digestion when consumed after meals Digestion
Creates a light, cozy warming effect in the body Internal Warmth
Has diuretic properties—people with kidney issues should be cautious Diuretic

The Environmental or Sustainable Aspect

Maté is a 100% natural plant that requires no complex processing

The wooden/gourd cup and the metal bombilla are reusable tools

Some people consider maté a more eco-friendly drink compared to coffee

 Quick Comparison with Similar Drinks

Drink Maté Tea Coffee
Caffeine Moderate Medium High
Flavor Herbal, slightly bitter Light, aromatic Strong, acidic
Setting Social & spiritual Solo or social Often solo
Symbolism Gathering & connection Pause & relaxation Start of the day