Last updated: March 25, 2026
Looking for a natural energy boost without the crash that comes with coffee? Then it’s worth getting to know the dried leaves of a special holly tree: Ilex guayusa. The powerful properties of this plant have been known for centuries in the Amazon rainforest, but this coffee and tea alternative is also becoming increasingly popular in Europe.
What is Ilex guayusa?
The name guayusa usually refers to a South American beverage made from the leaves of one of the three known caffeinated holly trees found in the Amazon rainforest. In these regions, it has been consumed for over two thousand years as a spiritual beverage with purported health benefits. Although it is often called guayusa tea, Ilex guayusa is not a type of tea in the strict sense.
The guayusa tree is native to the Amazon rainforest and is widely cultivated in Ecuador. The plant is also found in the Brazilian Amazon, the Bolivian Andes, Peru, and Colombia. The largest guayusa-producing regions are the Ecuadorian provinces of Napo and Pastaza. The indigenous Kichwa people of Ecuador use guayusa in religious and spiritual ceremonies, during which shamans play traditional instruments.
Guayusa contains high concentrations of caffeine, amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. In terms of taste, it is often compared to the South American drink yerba maté, but guayusa lacks the bitter notes present in yerba maté. Like yerba maté, guayusa is made from the leaves of a holly tree found in the rainforests of South America. While yerba maté comes from Ilex paraguariensis (mainly found in Argentina), guayusa comes from Ilex guayusa. The result is a fairly sweet, slightly fruity drink. You really have to try it to know how delicious and invigorating it is.
What is guayusa used for?
Ilex guayusa is primarily used as a natural energy booster. Users report that the drink can help increase mental clarity and give physical energy a boost. Guayusa has a caffeine content higher than black tea but lower than a strong cup of coffee. However, the caffeine in guayusa is released differently in the body than in coffee. This is due to the presence of the amino acid L-theanine, which makes the release of caffeine smoother and more even. This helps prevent the peaks and valleys that coffee drinkers experience, also known as a coffee crash. Guayusa also contains the alkaloids theobromine and theophylline. These are chemical compounds associated with improved concentration and increased energy. In a previous blog, you can read why caffeine actually gives you such an energy boost.
Another benefit of Ilex guayusa is that it contains a wide range of nutrients. For example, it contains essential amino acids and a high level of antioxidants—reportedly up to twice as much as green tea. Antioxidants help protect cells against oxidative stress, which is caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and an unhealthy diet.
A practical advantage of guayusa over coffee is that it is less likely to stain your teeth.
How do you make guayusa?
Want to make your own guayusa drink at home? You can! At the Dutch-Smart store, you’ll find this energy herb in 25-gram packages. Here’s how to make it:
- Step 1: Bring water to a boil
- Step 2: Put about two tablespoons of dried guayusa leaves in a pot
- Step 3: Slowly pour the water over the leaves
- Step 4: Let the mixture steep for 2 to 3 minutes before pouring
Just make sure you don’t drink this all day long, because then there’s a good chance you won’t be able to fall asleep as easily at night. Then you’ll need a relaxing herb as well.
About the author
Editor
Derek writes for Dutch Smart about smart shop products, cultivation techniques, and harm reduction. He combines practical experience with factual, well-researched information, without hype or vague promises.
