Native to the Andean Amazon foothills (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru). Since ancient times, Guayusa has been consumed as an infusion by both indigenous cultures and urban communities. It is associated with popular treatments for diabetes, infertility, and sexually transmitted diseases. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, is diuretic, and energizing. It also helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports healthy lactation.
In 1756 Fray Juan de Santa Gertrudis Serra wrote:
I have seen the most beautiful tree of all, with a thick trunk, green leaves, beautiful and peaceful. The leaves have a very good flavor, similar to tea, but finer and more appetizing. When the leaves are cooked and consumed, the drink produces perspiration and eliminates phlegm, reduces the heat of the blood and removes heaviness, aids digestion with a sense of fullness, gives strength and removes bad mood. When taken with honey, women become pregnant.
The indigenous people of the upper Putumayo in Colombia and later the settlers drank Guayusa as a stimulating infusion. It was consumed in the mornings to relieve hunger and to wake up. The Shuar indigenous people take it as an emetic and purgative, as well as a mouth rinse.
Guayusa is also part of rituals in many indigenous communities and is considered a master plant. Both Amazonian and Andean indigenous communities have worked with it. They have mixed it with other plants to enhance its healing power. For example, toasted leaves mixed with barley and honey help cure amenorrhea. The infusion of fresh leaves with lemon and orange is diuretic, counteracts anemia and releases and protects the body from heavy energies. Taitas and Shamans also use it in some Yage preparations and as a master plant in Diets.
Among its main properties are:
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Avoid in cases of kidney insufficiency and dialysis, may affect sleep, in case of sensitivity take it before 4pm.
