Paraguayan holly (Ilex paraguariensis)
Other names: yerba mate
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
The Paraguayan holly or Ilex paraguariensis is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall. Its leaves are green on one side, grey on the other and decorated with small glandular dots. It blooms white flowers and bears spherical fruits. This species grows mainly in South America, especially in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay, where it is also traditionally used to make a drink called mate.
The main product obtained from the Paraguayan holly is the traditional drink maté, which is extremely popular in South America. The powder from the leaves and twigs is added to hot water and then drunk. Maté is known for its rising caffeine content and is considered a healthier alternative to coffee. It is also often sought after for its stimulating effects as it contains more antioxidants than green tea. In addition to this drink, the Paraguayan holly is also used in the cosmetics industry. In fact, yerba mate oil is added to many cosmetic products such as creams, shampoos and face masks because of its positive properties. Yerba mate leaves are also used as a natural colouring agent in the food industry. Its extracts are also used in medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.