Energizing Botanicals

Plants from the holly genus, Ilex, including guayusa, yerba mate and yaupon contain not only caffeine, but caffeine-related compounds like theobromine. Theobromine is also found in coffee beans, chocolate, guarana berries and some cultivars of Camellia sinensis. Theobromine has been touted as a nootropic, which are substances used to enhance memory or other cognitive functions, such as mood balancing.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is used as a stimulant to relieve mental and physical fatigue, as a mood booster, and as a detox supportive beverage. It has a bittersweet, earthy and mineral flavor with nuances of olive leaf and eucalyptus. Traditional roasting and aging of yerba mate creates a pleasant, toasted aroma and ranging complexity. However, it is important to note the yerba mate Rishi sources is unsmoked.

Our farmers or yerbateros never spray the land with chemical sprays but focus on organic techniques including building biodiversity with cover-cropping, native tree reforestation, and weeding by hand.

Dosing yerba mate into a glass version of a “gourd”

Shaking the yerba mate to settle out the fines to the bottom and larger pieces to the top, ensuring the bombilla (straw) doesn’t get clogged

Guayusa

Guayusa has been consumed for centuries by indigenous peoples of the upper Amazon Basin for sustained energy, cultural ritual and medicinal use. One of just a few botanicals indigenous to the Americas to contain caffeine. Theobromine found in guayusa is thought to regulate mood and have energizing effects with fewer side effects than caffeine.

Guayusa is consumed by the Kichwa as a way to protect themselves from predators and pests. Traditionally, guayusa has been used to treat snake bites, lucid dreaming, and as a digestive aid. Spiritually, Kichwa peoples believe that the tea acts as a protective barrieragainst dangers and gives one a closeness to the environment or Pachamama (Mother Earth). The practice of consuming it in the night before a hunt is the root of its nickname the ‘night watchman’. Hunters would drink it for its stimulating effect, helping them stay awake and alert through the night.

The guayusa Rishi sources does not use any chemicals, GMOs or pesticides which would harm the delicate ecosystem which is home to many different plants, animals, and peoples.

Freshly harvested guayusa

Guayusa drying after harvest

Guayusa & Yerba Mate Blends

Yerba Mate is an uplifting and energizing herb that is indigenous to the Amazon and is wildly popular throughout parts of South America for its robust flavor.

Guayusa has been consumed for centuries by indigenous peoples of the upper Amazon Basin for sustained energy, cultural ritual and medicinal use. Hunters would drink it for its stimulating effect, helping them stay awake and alert through the night.

Guayusa has long been consumed by indigenous peoples of the upper Amazon for sustained energy, especially before nighttime jungle hunts. This spirited blend is a great way to kickstart the day or power through all-nighter work sessions.

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Aromatic Schisandra Decoction

What is a Decoction?

A simple definition of decoction would be a simmered herbal tea. Decoctions are often best for harder botanicals like roots or seeds that are not as readily infused by steeping in a teapot. A solid standard ratio of plant matter to water is 1oz herbs to 32 oz water. Bring the herbs to a low boil and simmer for around 15 minutes, remove from heat and let stand for another 10 min, strain and enjoy. Some decoctions are preferred to simmer with the lid on, depending on the aromatics of ingredients.

Why Schisandra and Citrus?

Schisandra Berry

Schisandra has been used as herbal medicine for centuries and is regarded for its traditional use against mental fatigue and stress.

Preparing schisandra as a decoction allows the lignans in the seeds of the berry to be released and more bioavailable when consumed. Lignans, including schizandrin and gomesin, are thought to be responsible for many of the adaptogenic qualities of the schisandra berry.

Learn more about Schisandra berry in our travel journal that takes you to the source of this amazing ingredient.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, including peels, fruits, and seeds, have been used in medicinal tonics in many eastern countries including China, Japan and Korea. Citrus has also been recognized by many western food cultures for its health benefits.

Citrus contains a wide number of secondary metabolites including flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, phenolic acids, and essential oils. These components are known to provide anti-inflammatory effects, prevent certain cancers, and protect the cardiovascular system. A contemporary study tested the efficacy of aqueous extracts, meaning citrus extracts made with hot water, against specific bacteria that are known to effect oral health. This hot water extract was found to significantly reduce the bacteria.

Citrus and Schisandra Decoction

A wonderful recipe for a simple, yet potent at-home decoction calls for fresh and dried rosemary and a variety of citrus. You can get creative with a wide variety of fresh or dried citrus like Meyer lemons, pink variegated lemons, and grapefruit. The example below uses makrut lime, bergamot, and grapefruit.

Ingredients:
25-30 grams Schisandra Berries
Large Fresh Rosemary Spring
Handful dried Rosemary
Assorted Dry and Fresh Citrus Fruits (this recipes uses dried makrut lime, bergamot, and grapefruit).
1.5 Liters water

1. Rinse 25-30 grams of schisandra berries with cold water and add to a small stock pot. Add fresh and dried rosemary and dried makrut lime, bergamot, and grapefruit.

2. Simmer, covered in 1.5 liters of water for 15 min, or until the color of the berries and citrus are extracted. The starting water will be reduced by about 25%. After 15 min, cut the heat and let the pot steep covered for another 10 min.

3. Strain and drink.

This schisandra decoction tonic is stimulating and strong with a deep taste and lofty aroma. The tangy, bittersweet, fruity, and slightly pungent flavor will warm you up and is thought to bolster your Qi (lifeforce energy). Rosemary is frequently used to stimulate the central nervous system and complements the mood-boosting effect of schisandra.

Energizing Botanicals

Yerba Mate

Guayusa

Guayusa & Yerba Mate Blends

Aromatic Schisandra Decoction

What is a Decoction?

Why Schisandra and Citrus?

Schisandra Berry

Citrus Fruits

Citrus and Schisandra Decoction

Shop Schisandra Berries

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