Yerba mate for your health. Will the infusion help with a cold?
When autumn arrives and temperatures start to drop rapidly, the unpleasant symptoms of the common cold – cough, runny nose, sore throat and general weakness – quickly follow with them. During this period, many people begin to look for natural ways to boost immunity and help the body fight infections. Mateists are asking themselves: does yerba mate help against the common cold? In today's blog post, we take a detailed look at how yerba mate affects our health and whether it can be an effective support in the fight against infections.
Summary:
- Properties of yerba mate. How does it affect our health?
- Yerba mate and immunity. How can regular drinking of the brew support the body?
- The best yerba mate for a cold. Which one to choose?
- Drink boldly, but bear in mind a few contraindications!
Properties of yerba mate. How does it affect our health?
It is worth knowing that yerba mate is not only an infusion that has a stimulating effect. Especially during the autumn and winter period, when the incidence of colds and flu increases significantly, yerba mate can prove to be a valuable support for our body. It acts as a natural remedy to help fight cold symptoms thanks to its content of numerous nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
The range of beneficial properties of yerba mate is an indisputable and scientifically supported fact. As is well known, the infusion contains a set of B vitamins, C and E. The B vitamins support the nervous system and help regenerate the body, which is crucial during periods of weakness. Vitamin C is known for its positive effects on the immune system, including supporting healing processes and shortening the duration of illness. Yerba mate is also rich in minerals, including magnesium, calcium, silicon, iron, potassium, zinc and phosphorus, which are valuable weapons for the body against inflammation and have the effect of strengthening the immune system.
In addition, yerba mate is a great source of antioxidants. They are responsible for fighting so-called free radicals, free electron atoms that accelerate cellular ageing and bring the risk of serious infections and a decline in immunity. Phenolic compounds are one of the most important components of yerba mate – they are particularly useful in times of weakened immunity. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and thus alleviate mild cold symptoms such as sore throat and fever. You can read more about the role of antioxidants in yerba mate in this post on our blog.
In conclusion, when consumed regularly, yerba mate is not only an excellent source of natural caffeine, but also an infusion with positive effects on health and well-being.
How does yerba mate help with a cold?
The effect of yerba mate on the common cold is multifaceted. First of all, this infusion is a rich source of antioxidants that:
- fight free radicals,
- slow down the cell ageing process,
- support the body in the fight against infections.
In addition, due to the compounds it contains, yerba mate has anti-inflammatory properties, which can provide relief from sore throats and other cold symptoms. However, it is worth remembering that mate tea for colds should be used as a support and not as a substitute for prescribed medication!
Yerba mate and immunity. How can regular drinking of the brew support the body?
It is not only during a cold that yerba mate can be our friend. It is worth including it into the diet not just on temporary occasions, but also on a daily basis. As mentioned, the effect of yerba mate on the immune system is complex and multifaceted, which means that regular consumption of the brew helps to reduce the risk of illness during the autumn-winter season and strengthens the body all year round.
The antioxidants present in yerba mate, along with vitamins and minerals, have the ability to support the body's natural immunity, which protects against microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. An additional benefit is the property of yerba mate to support the digestive system – a healthy functioning digestive system is also a key aspect of strong immunity.
The stimulating effect of yerba mate proves to be equally important in the context of the body's immunity and the fight against cold symptoms. An additional source of energy is very useful in times when we feel a drop in form or weakness due to infection. Instead of reaching for coffee, which can irritate the stomach, yerba mate offers a healthier alternative, energising the body for longer and supporting its immunity.
Yerba mate and the common cold. Let us summarise its effects
Yerba mate for colds is not just a myth. There are several key reasons why you should consider a drink made from the dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis plant during an infection:
- Anti-inflammatory properties of yerba mate – the action of yerba mate, due to the compounds it contains, can help to relieve mild inflammation such as sore throats, coughs or muscle aches that are typical during a cold. The anti-inflammatory properties of mate tea are confirmed by numerous scientific studies, making it a powerful support in the fight against infections.
- Antioxidants in the fight against bacteria and free radicals – yerba mate contains valuable antioxidants that have a protective effect on cells. Their function is to neutralise free radicals and support the body during infections, helping to reduce the growth of bacteria and viruses responsible for colds.
- Respiratory support – yerba mate can act as a natural respiratory support. Drinking it regularly can relieve symptoms such as a runny nose or sore throat, which is particularly helpful during the cold season.
The best yerba mate for a cold. Which one to choose?
In the previous paragraphs, we have focused on the benefits of regular consumption of yerba mate. However, what if we already happen to catch a cold? Can we treat the infusion as an emergency way to fight the illness? We would like to point out from the outset that under no circumstances should yerba mate be used as a substitute for medication prescribed by a doctor! However, if we follow a few important recommendations (more on that in a moment) and choose the right composition, yerba mate will prove to be an excellent companion in our sickness.
As you know, many brands offer products with herbs and other valuable natural goods for health. It is these in particular that are worth taking an interest in. How about the warming Yaguar Winter Prune, a combination of yerba mate with ginger, pieces of fruit and cinnamon? The organic Soul Mate Menta Limón would also be an excellent choice. As much as 7% of its composition is made up of vitamin C-rich lemongrass, traditionally used to fight coughs and inflammation. We also recommend Verde Mate Green Raspberry Vitality, created especially for the autumn/winter season, which contains, among other things, vitamin-rich raspberries and citrus and the widely appreciated “superfood” goji berries.
In addition, look out for yerba mate with ingredients such as mint, chamomile or aniseed. Instead of looking for specific products, we can also enrich the infusion with health-promoting additives on our own. In our shop, you will find a wide range of Vivarini brand specialising in exotic and indigenous herbs and dried fruits. We also recommend topping up your infusion mate cup with fresh citrus slices, rich in vitamin C – lemon or orange.
Recipes with yerba mate for colds. How to complement the infusion with natural additives?
Although drinking yerba mate alone can provide relief from cold symptoms, it is worth enriching the infusion with additional ingredients to support its effects:
- Mate tea with honey and lemon. Honey and lemon are classic ingredients to support the fight against the common cold. Honey has an antibacterial effect, while lemon provides an extra dose of vitamin C. Therefore, after brewing yerba mate, you can add a teaspoon of honey and a slice of lemon or juice squeezed from it – to enhance the properties of the infusion.
- Yerba mate with ginger and cinnamon. Ginger is known for its warming and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding a few slices of fresh ginger to your yerba mate infusion can speed up the healing process if you have a cold. Cinnamon further supports the immune system with its antiseptic properties.
These simple yerba mate recipes for colds can not only make you feel better, but also strengthen your body to fight the infection!
Drink boldly, but bear in mind a few contraindications!
Journalistic integrity dictates that we mention the possible negative effects of drinking yerba mate during a cold. Like any caffeine-rich infusion, mate raises blood pressure, so we should not drink it if we have a fever. In addition, it has a diuretic effect, so to protect yourself from dehydration, remember to replenish fluids. Finally, like other hot drinks, it can irritate the throat. It is best to wait a little before taking the first sip. We should also remember that yerba mate for colds is not a substitute for a visit to the doctor in case of severe symptoms – it is a supportive measure that works best in combination with other forms of treatment. If we keep the aforementioned issues in mind, mate can prove to be a great companion during the recovery period!
Source of information:
- Wikipedia: Mate (infusión).
- A. Gawron-Gzella, J. Chanaj-Kaczmarek, J. Cielecka-Piontek, Yerba Mate-A Long but Current History, Nutrients, 2021.
- C. I. Heck, E. G. De Mejia, Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): A Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Health Implications, and Technological Considerations, Journal of Food Science, 2007.
- M. Kujawska, Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Beverage: Nutraceutical Ingredient or Conveyor for the Intake of Medicinal Plants? Evidence from Paraguayan Folk Medicine, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018.
