Frequently Asked Questions About Yerba Mate

1. Is Yerba Mate Healthy?

Yes, Yerba Mate is considered a healthy beverage. It's packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can support your immune system, improve mental focus, and increase energy levels naturally. 

2. What are the health benefits of Yerba Mate?

Yerba Mate can boost energy without the jitters of coffee, support weight loss, improve digestion, and enhance mental clarity. Its high antioxidant content also helps protect your cells from damage.

3. How do you prepare Yerba Mate in a gourd?

Fill your gourd about 2/3 full with Yerba Mate, tilt it to create a slope, and pour a little cool water in the hollow side. Let it absorb, then insert your bombilla and add hot (but not boiling) water. Refill as needed while drinking. Visit this blog post for more info!

4. How do you cure a Yerba Mate gourd?

Good news—you don’t need to! All EquisMate gourds are made of high-quality ceramic, which means no curing is needed. Just rinse like a regular cup before use and you’re ready to go.

5. Does Yerba Mate contain caffeine?

Yes, Yerba Mate naturally contains caffeine, roughly the same amount as green tea. It offers a balanced energy lift without the crash or anxiety some people get from coffee.

6. Which Yerba Mate does Messi drink?

Lionel Messi and many other South American footballers are known to enjoy traditional Argentine Yerba Mate. His gourd is a typical "Imperial Calabaza Yerba Mate", very similar to our Gold Set. 

7. Is Yerba Mate a better alternative for coffee?

Many people think so! Yerba Mate offers a smoother, more sustained energy boost without the jitters or acid reflux that coffee can cause. Plus, it hydrates and nourishes the body while energizing it.

8. Why choose for a ceramic gourd for Yerba Mate?

Ceramic gourds, like our EquisMate collection, are easy to clean (just like a glass or mug), don’t require curing, and preserve the taste of the Yerba Mate without adding bitterness. They also retain heat longer, keeping your mate at the perfect temperature.

9. Which Yerba Mate is good to start with?

We recommend starting with CBSe or Guarani, two popular brands we carry. They offer smooth and flavorful blends—some even have naturally sweet flavors like orange, vanilla, or herbs, making them ideal for beginners.

10. Do you drink Yerba Mate warm or cold?

Both! Traditionally, it's enjoyed warm, especially in Argentina and Uruguay. But in Brazil, it’s common to drink it cold as tereré, often with ice and citrus or herbal infusions—perfect for hot days!

11. What is yerba mate? Is it a type of tea?

Yerba mate is an herbal infusion made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, native to South America. While it's brewed similarly to tea, it comes from a different plant and is technically a tisane.

12. Does yerba mate contain caffeine?

Yes, yerba mate naturally contains caffeine, along with theobromine and theophylline. An 8-ounce cup typically has about 30–50 mg of caffeine, offering a gentle energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee.

13. What are the health benefits of yerba mate?

Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It may support digestion, enhance mental focus, boost energy, and promote heart health and immune function.