Holy Mate

Yerba Mate is a widely consumed herbal beverage that naturally contains vitamins, minerals, anti oxidants and the stimulant caffeine. Because the caffeine is part of a vitamin and mineral complex, the stimulating effects are balanced and easier on the body than say coffee. Many tribes throughout South America have drank mate for thousands of years, this beverage is common in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay as well as Chile. The South American gauchos, cowboys refer to it as a liquid vegetable. With its deep green color and abundance of chlorophyll and nutrients it is somewhat akin to drinking a vegetable.

And, Holy Basil comes to us from a deep long ancient tradition, it hails form the annals of Ayurveda the 5,000 year old medical science of India. The practice of Ayurveda is the oldest continuous coded medical system in existence and among the Vedas, Holy Basil ranks supreme. It is such a special and revered herb that the three varieties have the distinction of being named after the three major Hindu gods, Krishna basil, Rama basil and Vishnu basil. The Vedas believed that the consumption of Holy Basil prepared the mind for enlightenment. A high statement but after 5,000 years they must of had significant trial and error and I agree their conclusions are darn near correct. Holy Basil has a high distinct and modern science is beginning to uncover some of the magic of this plant.

A main action of this plant is its ability to regulate the stress hormone cortisol. There are special chemical compounds in Holy Basil which do this. Reduced cortisol levels in the blood leads to greater calm in the body. It is safe to say a lot of people have elevated stress hormones, these elevated hormone levels lead to imbalances in blood sugar, sleep and digestion. Holy Basil also has natural anti-inflammatory compounds helping to smooth the body and aid in all manor of bodily functions that are affected by inflammation. Combining these health benefits with the nutrition of Yerba Mate results in a tasty mildly stimulating beverage that aids focus, concentration and clarity. Try a cup of Holy Mate and feel the calm energy as it takes you through your day with the wisdom of South America and Vedic herbal tradition.

This piece was written and compiled for Zebra Organics by Mark D'Aquila, flower essence practitioner, www.essencealchemy.com