yerba mate tea

Also known as “mate”. Yerba mate is a mildly astringent, hot herbal infusion—typically called “mate” (MAH-tay)—made from the dried leaves of a South American shrub. Mate contains a few stimulant compounds (xanthines), including caffeine, and is considered to have medicinal qualities. Drinking mate is ubiquitous in various South American cultures, similar to drinking tea, but with its own traditions.