Tea mate made from the leaves and shoots of the Paraguayan holly. This is a traditional drink of the Quechua Indians, which fell to the taste of the Spaniards during the conquest of the territory of modern Paraguay and spread further across the globe. Dry mate differs from tea in that it contains not only the leaves, but also the stems of the plant. Has a bitter taste with a slight sweetish aftertaste. Mate leaves contain a large amount of vitamins: A, B1, B2, C, P and trace elements potassium, manganese, iron, magnesium, sodium. It is believed that this drink stimulates the immune system, which is only partially supported by medical research. Mate acts on a person like tea, increasing efficiency, relieving fatigue and emotional stress. At the same time, it does not lead to overexcitation, but on the contrary, drunk before bedtime, promotes rapid falling asleep. Studies are underway on the possible link between mate consumption and the occurrence of cancer, but at the moment they have not yielded unambiguous results. It has been found that very hot mate can be harmful and lead to diseases of the esophagus.
Chaga – dried and crushed powder of tinder fungus growing on birch. Earlier in the European part of Russia and Siberia, it was often used by fur hunters as a substitute for black tea. Now chaga is actively exported to Japan, where medicines and teas are made from it. It has immunostimulating and antioxidant properties, so regular consumption of chaga tea prevents cancer. It is a good preventive and curative remedy for diseases of the digestive system. Honey and apple juice are traditionally added to the chaga drink, which improves its taste.
Kudin – a drink made from broadleaf holly leaves, which is closest to mate in taste and properties. Kudin has a bitter taste, however, if brewed not with boiling water, but slightly chilled, about 70 degrees, the taste of the drink is very delicate and refined. Formerly considered the drink of emperors in China. Kudin lowers cholesterol levels, promotes fat burning. It is recommended to drink this drink for colds, it has antiseptic properties, soothes cough. In China, regular consumption of kudin is believed to reduce tobacco dependence.
Roybush Is a shrub from the legume family, common in southern Africa. To prepare the drink, thin leaves of this shrub, similar to needles, are brewed. Rooibos tea has a reddish hue and can be brewed several times to increase its strength, and can be boiled or reheated in the microwave. Rooibos is often recommended for athletes and pregnant women, because it has a maximum of useful qualities, without affecting the nervous system, it cannot lead to overexcitation or insomnia. Recommended even for small children. This tea contains a large amount of vitamin C, iron, manganese, fluorine, sodium, potassium, zinc, copper. In addition, rooibos normalizes blood pressure and improves dental health. At the moment, no contraindications to use have been identified.
Hanibush – a drink made from the leaves of the plant of the same name, closely related to rooibos, also grows in South Africa. This is a relatively new tea that is just beginning to be cultivated. Unlike rooibos, it has a specific delicate honey taste and aroma. The leaves and flowers from which the drink is prepared are dried exclusively in the sun. The drink is drunk hot or cold; it is not recommended to add sugar. It has the same complex of nutrients as rooibos, in addition, it helps burn fat in the body.