Did you know that there’s a caffeinated plant native to North America? Previously viewed as a weed by farmers, yaupon holly is a plant that can be dried and turned into a tea. Yaupon is native to the southeastern states from Texas to Virginia and is a close cousin of the South American yerba maté. The plant’s leaves contain around 1% caffeine, similar to the caffeine content of yerba mate. But the taste may be even better. Especially, when it’s roasted, yaupon has a sweeter or more pleasant taste than yerba mate. Yaupon tea has a deliciously robust flavor and still packs in health benefits similar to those of green tea or yerba mate.

Yaupon tea has been drunk in pockets across the American South for hundreds of years and was used medicinally by Native Americans. Indian tribes used it for both recreation and ceremony. Early white settlers knew the tea as “the black drink.” During the Civil War, southerners substituted yaupon holly tea for coffee and black tea. Modern commercialization of yaupon holly has only begun in the last few years.

The leaves have been used to treat high blood pressure, fever, rheumatism and digestive issues. Holly leaf extract is sometimes used to combat jaundice, dizziness and emotional problems.

The rich content of caffeine makes the Yaupon tea a strong heart stimulant. Yaupon is almost equal to yerba mate in caffeine and antioxidant content. (a cup of brewed yerba mate contains about half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee).

Like coffee and tea, yaupon is rich in polyphenols. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there is a strong case for polyphenols in the prevention of degenerative diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Further, a 2011 study has demonstrated the specific polyphenols found in yaupon tea to have anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effects.

The high content of antioxidants make it perfect for boosting your metabolism. Yaupon holly is great for improving the way your body burns fat and it is recommended for people who want to lose weight. One study demonstrated that the antioxidant levels of yaupon tea are not affected by a change in packaging or storage.

Leaves and stems of yaupon holly may be used fresh, dried or roasted and stored like any dried herbal tea. They were traditionally parched to a dark brown over a fire. The leaves may also be parched in the oven or on the stove top at 350-400 degrees F. A simple tea is brewed by steeping just a few leaves in a cup of hot water for a few minutes and then straining out the leaves. Parching the leaves infuses a smoky flavor similar to yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis).

Not all hollies are safe for consumption so it’s important to make positive identification, as is the case with any wild edible. You can also purchase the tea online. It is advisable to not overuse Yaupon Holly as it has a high content of caffeine. Two cups a day are perfectly normal, but overuse will lead to problems similar to coffee overuse.

Sources:

https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-holly.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0367326X11000347

https://www.plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_ilvo.pdf

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The Refreshing Point

Yaupon Holly – The Only Caffeine Source Native to the U.S. – America’s Forgotten Tea Plant – Ilex vomitoria