Guayusa (Pronounced: Gwa-you-sa)
The origins of Guayusa
The reasons that pushed us to choose the Guayusa plant to concoct OOYA are very numerous. You will quickly understand why we fell in love with this plant said to have superpowers!
A little bit of history is good!
Maybe you didn't know this, but the Guayusa plant has been part of Amazonian culture for thousands of years. Traditionally, indigenous families in Ecuador wake up every day at 3 a.m. to sit around the community fire and drink gourds full of Guayusa tea until sunrise. Meanwhile, village elders teach young people ancestral myths, hunting techniques and social values.
Community shamans also play a traditional bamboo flute (called a kena) and a two-sided drum made of weasel skin and sing soft, rhythmic songs during these early morning hours. Shamans interpret dreams from the previous night and make recommendations to guide the community and help them live in harmony with the rainforest.
Not us who invented it, National Geographic is talking about it !
The plant with superpowers!
The tree that gives rise to the Guayusa leaf reaches more than 5 meters high at altitudes of up to 2000 meters (yes, you read correctly, it's very, very high!). Its bright green leaves are harvested by carefully folding them and threading them with a needle to dry. Moreover, the drying method, drying in ambient air and not in hot air, allows the Guayusa leaves to better retain their nutrients. Once ready, they are stored to stay fresh where they are enjoyed like tea (or as the magic ingredient in an energy drink hehe).
The benefits of Guayusa: Boost your body and mind
NATURAL CAFFEINE
Unlike coffee or other energy drinks, Guayusa provides balanced energy without the jitters or sudden crashes typically associated with caffeinated drinks. Its catechins ensure a slow release of caffeine for awakened and lasting energy.
FULL FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are also abundant in Guayusa leaf. They can reduce the risk of heart disease. Antioxidants support your digestive health by helping the kidneys and intestines eliminate these free radicals.
DIGESTION
May help prevent bloating, stomach upset and constipation.
RELAXATION + MENTAL CLARITY
Guayusa contains certain amino acids that produce Dopamine (a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, released by the brain). Some of its notable functions are movement, memory, pleasure, behaviour and cognition, and mood.
L-Theanine
Found in other plants like green tea, L-theanine is widely known for its relaxing effects on the brain, which is why some people consider it a "calm energy."
Theobromine
Theobromine is a natural compound that provides long-lasting energy without cardiac agitation and energy “crash”, which is why it is considered a sustainable energy source.
MINERALS + VITAMINS
Guayusa contains magnesium, potassium, zinc, chromium, calcium and vitamins D and C.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to write to us at admin@ooyainfusions.com !
Have a nice day ✌🏼