Organic Guayusa Leaf from Ecuador

Organic Guayusa Leaf is a naturally caffeinated herbal tea made from the leaves of Ilex guayusa, an Amazonian holly native to Ecuador. Traditionally prepared by Indigenous communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon, Guayusa is valued for its smooth flavour and naturally stimulating character.

Unlike traditional green or black tea, Guayusa does not come from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Instead, it belongs to the holly family and is botanically related to yerba mate. Its leaves naturally contain caffeine along with theobromine and a variety of polyphenolic compounds.

A Traditional Amazonian Tea

Guayusa has been cultivated and consumed in the upper Amazon for generations, with a particularly strong tradition among Kichwa communities in Ecuador. The leaves have traditionally been brewed as an invigorating morning beverage and enjoyed as part of daily and communal life.

Today, Guayusa offers an interesting alternative for tea and coffee drinkers looking for a naturally caffeinated botanical with a remarkably smooth flavour.

Naturally Caffeinated

Guayusa naturally contains caffeine, making it quite different from most herbal infusions in our collection. It also contains naturally occurring theobromine, a compound found in plants such as cacao, along with antioxidant polyphenols.

The result is a naturally stimulating herbal tea that can be enjoyed in the morning or whenever a caffeinated beverage is preferred.

What Does Guayusa Taste Like?

Guayusa is remarkably smooth for a naturally caffeinated leaf. Its flavour is mild, clean and lightly herbaceous with subtle grassy notes and considerably less pronounced bitterness and astringency than many traditional green or black teas.

It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with lemon, honey, mint, Tulsi or other herbs. Its smooth character also makes Guayusa an excellent base for custom herbal tea blends.

Botanical name: Ilex guayusa
Origin: Ecuador
Plant part: Leaf
Ingredients: Certified Organic Guayusa Leaf
Tea type: Naturally caffeinated herbal tea
Caffeine: Naturally contains caffeine

Brewing Recommendations:

Use 1–2 teaspoons of Guayusa Leaf per cup (250 ml) of water.
Bring fresh water to a boil and pour over the leaves.
Steep for 5–7 minutes, then strain and enjoy.

Guayusa is quite forgiving when it comes to steeping. Adjust the amount of leaf or steeping time according to your preferred flavour and strength. For a stronger traditional-style preparation, the leaves may also be gently simmered.

Enjoy hot or chilled over ice. Add lemon, honey or fresh mint if desired.

Caution: Guayusa naturally contains caffeine. Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, sensitive to caffeine, or advised to limit caffeine intake should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.