Yerba mate drinking has been a social and medicinal tradition in South America for centuries. Yerba mate tea, also called mate, comes from the dried leaves and stems of Ilex paraguariensis, a type of holly tree. The tea is a stimulant and has a reputation for numerous health benefits. It's believed to alleviate depression, but further research is needed. As with any supplement, consult your doctor before using yerba mate.
Background
Common symptoms of depression include fatigue and lack of energy, a change in appetite, difficulty concentrating, inactivity, and feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness and helplessness. While anyone can feel down at times, clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by sadness, loss, anger or frustration that interfere with daily life for an extended duration, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Although research on the use of yerba mate for depression is needed, it is used for depression in Brazil and for mental fatigue and nervous depression in Europe, according to the Raintree Nutrition Tropical Plant Database.
Constituents
Yerba mate contains xanthines -- caffeine, theobromin and theophylline -- that receive credit for its ability to increase energy levels, according to researchers from the University of Illinois who published a review of yerba mate tea in the November/December 2007 "Journal of Food Science." It also contains vitamins, including C, B-2, B-6, niacin and pantothenic acid, according the the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Pantothenic acid has anti-arthritic, anti-allergy and anti-fatigue biological activities, meaning it's used to counteract these conditions. Because fatigue is a common symptom of depression, yerba mate's energizing effect might help those suffering from depression engage in daily activities.
Considerations
Preliminary studies indicate that yerba mate stimulates the central nervous system, benefits the cardiovascular system, has antioxidant properties and might help with weight loss, according to the researchers from the University of Illinois. Further research is needed. A 6 oz. serving of yerba mate contains 50 to 100 mg of caffeine, compared with 10 to 60 mg in 6 oz. of black tea and 100 to 250 mg in 6 oz. of coffee. Pay attention to your overall daily caffeine intake to avoid negative effects from consuming too much caffeine. Although yerba mate's stimulatory effect might help to elevate mood during depression, if you experience agitation, irritation or fearfulness, you may need to avoid it.
Warning
Yerba mate can cause adverse effects, including insomnia, restlessness, palpitations and anxiety. People with depression who are prone to anxiety or on antidepressant medications should consult their doctor before consuming yerba mate.
Yerba mate should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or by people with high blood pressure, heart problems or anxiety, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Long-term yerba mate consumption is associated with an increase in certain cancers. Consuming yerba mate occasionally is probably safe for healthy adults, according to MayoClinic.com. Depression should be diagnosed and monitored by a qualified professional.
References
- "Journal of Food Science"; Food Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): A Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Health Implications, and Technological Considerations; C.I. Heck and E.G. De Mejia; November/December 2007
- Raintree Nutrition Tropical Plant Database; Yerba Mate; March 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Depression
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Mate; May 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Yerba mate: Is it safe to drink?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; January 2010
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