Mate

Tree, bush. The dried leaves in infusion (social consumption of mate) are used. Widely consumed in Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, southern Brazil, Bolivia and Chile.
It contains alkaloids, xanthines (caffeine 2%, 0.2% theobromine, theophylline 0.05%), tannins, flavonoids.
Attributed properties are: mood stimulant, diuretic, bronchodilator, vasoconstrictor.
Indication by the Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: physical and mental fatigue.

It should not exceed the amount equivalent to 300 mg of caffeine a day (200 cc = 50-100 mg) during lactation. Average ingestion of Yerba mate by consumers is around 100-200 mg of caffeine a day, though it can reach 1 gram daily. It was published neonatal abstinence syndrome following chronic maternal consumption of mate.

At last update, there were not found published data on excretion in breast milk but it is known that xanthines are excreted in breast milk; however and since there is no proof of their effectiveness as galactagogue, it seems prudent not to increase but instead moderate the intake during lactation.
A best galactagogue is a frequent and on-demand breastfeeding together with a proper technique.

Precautions with herbal teas:
1. Make sure that you get them from reliable sources: poisoning may occur by a confusion with other plant which is toxic (Hsu 1995), poisoning from heavy metals and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi.
2. Avoid large doses. "Natural products” are not good by themselves in any amount: many plants contain active substances where from many pharmaceutical products of the traditional Phamacopeia have been obtained and hence may be a cause of poisoning if consumed in inappropriate quantity or duration.

Synonyms

• Jesuit´s Brazil Tea
• Paraguay Tea
• St Bartholomew´s Tea
• Tereré
• Yerba Maté

Writings

• Ilex paraguariensis (Latin, botanical name)
• Ilex paraguensys (Latin, botanical name)