Well, since
Women's World magazine isn't exactly what I'd call the
Journal of the American Medical Association I thought I'd do some research on my own...
Here's an
interesting snippet:
Quote:
Yerba Mate (tea) is made from the leaf of the plant Ilex paraguariensis. It contains caffeine, theophylline, theobromine, and related chemicals that are all stimulants.
Although Yerba Mate is widely used in South America, there unfortunately appears to be gathering evidence that chronic use of Mate increases the risk of several cancers, including bladder (De Stefani 1991), oral, esophageal (throat) (Pintos 1994), and lung (De Stefani 1996). There is also one case report of a woman who had liver problems after long-term use of Yerba Mate (McGee 1976). Because of the nature of correlative cancer studies, it is important to note that the exact cause of the cancer increases has not been identified and there is still the possibility that the Yerba Mate is not the direct cause of the increased cancer rates among users.
Interactions
As with other caffeine-containing teas, Yerba Mate's caffeine and theobromine will interact with a wide variety of pharmaceuticals and can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Caffeine is known to cause decreased blood levels of benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax).
Caffeine is known to cause diueresis (increased urination).
Adverse Reactions & Overdoses
Adverse reactions to Yerba Mate are likely to be the same as with other caffeine-containing teas, coffees, or drinks. At lower doses, unwanted symptoms can include restlessness, reduced patience, irritability, difficulty falling asleep, and other mild-stimulant reactions.
At higher doses, adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and unconsciousness. Very high doses of caffeine can be fatal, although it is nearly impossible to accidentally reach those levels using tea.
One more article...from the US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine website:
http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/dhpw.../YerbaMate.pdf
Quote:
Yerba Mate (IIex Paraguariensis)
Also known as: Jesuit’s Brazil Tea, Jesuit’s Tea, Paraguay Tea, St. Bartholemew’s Tea
Historical Perspective: Yerba mate is a plant whose leaves are used to make medicine. Mate, also known as yerba mate, is a popular beverage, much like coffee or tea, in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Common Uses: Yerba mate is commonly used as a stimulant to relieve mental and physical fatigue. It is also commonly used in many over-the-counter weight loss supplements due to its caffeine content and subsequent appetite suppression capabilities.
Form(s) Used: Yerba mate is either used as a dried leaf or as a liquid extract.
Potential Side Effects: Due to the caffeine content of yerba mate, side effects include difficulty sleeping (insomnia), nervousness, restlessness, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Use of yerba mate and caffeine-containing herbs/supplements as well as herbs/supplements with ephedra (Ma Huang) or citrus aurantium (Bitter Orange) can increase the risk of adverse side effects.
Food-Drug-Supplement Interactions: Yerba mate interferes with many prescription medications as well as over-the-counter medications.
Contraindications to Use: Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use yerba mate. People with depression/anxiety disorders, heart conditions, hypertension, kidney disease, and ulcers should also avoid yerba mate.
Yerba Mate can increase the side effects of many medications and supplements including :
1) Asthma medications
2) Bitter Orange
3) Disulfi ram (Antabuse)
4) Caffeine compound such as: black tea, cocoa, coffee, cola nut and green tea
6) Certain antibiotics (Cipro, Levaquin, and others)
7) Cimetidine (Tagamet)
8) Clozapine (Clozaril)
9) Ephedra (Ma Huang)
10) Ephedrine and/or cold medications containing decongestants (pseudoephedrine)
11) Estrogen (Estrace)
12) Guarana
13) Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
14) MAO Inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate, and others). Can cause dangerously high blood pressure
15) Medications for diabetes such as insulin and oral hypoglycemics (glipizide, metformin, and others)
16) Migraine medicines containing ergotamines (Cafergot, Migranal, and others)
17) Mixiletine (Mexitil)
18) Oral Contraceptives
19) Riluzole (Rilutek)
20) Terbinafine (Lamisil)
21) Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan)
Yerba Mate decreases the side effects of many medications including:
1) Sleep or anxiety medications (Valium, Ativan, Klonipin, Restoril, Serax and others).
Research Data on Safety and Efficacy: Due to its caffeine content, yerba mate is possibly effective when used for relief of physical and/or mental fatigue, as well as when used as an appetite suppressant in weight control. Yerba mate is possibly safe for some people when taken for short periods of time. However, when taken in large amounts for long periods of time, yerba mate is probably unsafe. Yerba mate contains 4-16% tannins, which are believed to have possible carcinogenic and liver toxicity effects. Long-term use may pose an increased risk for certain types of cancers as well as blood clots. Yerba mate is addictive. People who take mate on a regular basis may get irritable, anxious, dizzy, headaches, or exhibit other signs of withdrawal when they stop taking mate.
Bottom-Line: Given the increased potential for serious adverse side effects when combined with caffeine-containing compounds, bitter orange (citrus aurantium), or ephedra containing products, exercise caution when using yerba mate. Before combining yerba mate with any over-the-counter medication, herb/supplement, or prescription medication, talk with a healthcare provider, a registered dietitian or a pharmacist.
IMO - proceed with caution...
