For the Quechua people of my native country of Ecuador, their day starts at 4 am where members of the community brew Guayusa tea leaves in a large pot known as a guayucero and when the brew is ready, they sit around the fire, sip the tea, and discuss their dreams. They believe that guayusa (pronounced gwai-yoo-sa) facilitates dream interpretation, which is essential to decision-making in the community.

Something like 98 percent of the guayusa in the world is in Ecuador. It is native to a thin stretch of the upper Amazon that hugs the Andes Mountains.

Guayusa is largely known for its high caffeine content (but without the jitters that you get from a cup of coffee).

Guayusa tea contains high concentrations of caffeine, amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. The flavor of guayusa is similar to the South American drink yerba mate. Unlike yerba mate, guayusa doesn't have any bitter notes. It is grassy and rich with a gentle sweet flavor.

Antioxidants in guayusa help to eliminate free radicals in the body and may help decrease your risk of several chronic diseases. Guayusa is particularly rich in a group of polyphenol antioxidants known as catechins. These protect against inflammation, heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Guayusa also has anti-inflammatory properties that are responsible for its digestive health benefits.

Guayusa decreases inflammation in the stomach that can cause stomach cramps and bloating.