Short answer
Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is a caffeinated holly leaf from the Ecuadorian Amazon, brewed for centuries as a morning tea. It contains caffeine and theobromine, and two small randomized trials found that extracts improved mood, perceived energy and some measures of focus and reaction speed within one to two hours, while also raising blood pressure slightly and, at higher doses, causing jitteriness in women. [1] [2] [3]
Key takeaways
- Guayusa is a stimulant tea. It contains caffeine and theobromine, the same two methylxanthines found in coffee and chocolate. [1]
- Human evidence is two small crossover trials of concentrated extracts (25 adults in one), showing short-term gains in mood, energy and reaction time. Neither tested a cup of tea over weeks. [2] [3]
- Both extract doses raised systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about 4 to 5 mmHg in one trial, and one extract was the only treatment that raised blood pressure above baseline in the other. Watch this if you have high blood pressure. [2] [3]
- Lab tests show a real antioxidant content, roughly half the peroxyl-radical capacity of green and black tea per gram of leaf, with comparable protection of cells in a dish. [4]
- A critical safety review found guayusa's chemistry presents no greater risk than green tea or yerba mate, with no history of adverse event notifications. [5]
Guayusa has a loud reputation: clean energy without the crash, focus without the jitters. Some of that is marketing. Some of it is supported by real data, and some of it is not. This guide separates the three.
We sell guayusa leaf, which we buy from Indigenous partner communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We drink it ourselves. We also think you should know exactly what a stimulant tea does and does not do before you build a morning around it.
What is guayusa?
Guayusa is the leaf of Ilex guayusa, an evergreen tree in the holly family native to the upper Amazon, grown in forest gardens by Amazonian peoples including the Kichwa. A 2025 review describes it as consumed for thousands of years by the high Amazonian peoples of Ecuador, and still part of the gardens of ancestral and settler households today. [6] It is one of a small number of caffeinated holly species, along with yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis).
The leaf contains the methylxanthines caffeine and theobromine, plus chlorogenic acids, flavonoids and sugars. [1] Like yerba mate, guayusa also contains unusually high amounts of pentacyclic triterpenoids, including ursolic acid, which makes it chemically different from tea or coffee. [7]
Traditional use of guayusa
In Amazonian households, guayusa is traditionally a pre-dawn drink. The 2025 review lists the uses that stand out in traditional and scientific accounts: physical and mental stimulant, analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic. [6] Our partner communities describe the early cup as a time for energy, focus and the interpretation of dreams. That cultural practice is part of why people call it a dream tea. No scientific study has tested effects on dreams, so treat that as tradition, not evidence.
What research says about guayusa benefits
Energy, mood and reaction time
The best human data comes from a 2024 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Twenty-five adults took 600 mg of guayusa leaf extract, 1,200 mg, or placebo on separate visits. At 600 mg, total mood disturbance, fatigue and perceived energy all improved relative to placebo, as did motor and psychomotor speed. At 1,200 mg, psychomotor speed improved and reaction time dropped on a hop test. The researchers concluded lower doses seem to optimize mood and cognitive results while limiting jitteriness, and that higher doses may suit motor-cognitive performance. [2]
A second randomized, double-blind crossover trial in 2023 compared 650 mg of a guayusa extract, 1 g of Nordic lion's mane, and placebo. The guayusa extract improved serial-subtraction performance, N-back results, reaction times, and subjective ratings of mental clarity, focus, concentration, mood, productivity and stress tolerance at one and two hours. It also reduced accuracy on the no-go stimulus in a response-inhibition task, so the picture is not simply better across the board. [3]
Blood pressure and heart rate
Stimulants raise blood pressure, and guayusa does. In the 2024 trial, both the 600 mg and 1,200 mg doses increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 4 to 5 mmHg. The ventricular repolarization measure (QTc) did not change. [2] In the 2023 trial the guayusa extract was the only treatment that raised blood pressure from baseline. [3] A few millimeters of mercury is trivial for many adults and meaningful for some.
Antioxidants and inflammation (lab data)
Guayusa teas contain between roughly 54 and 67 mg of polyphenols (gallic acid equivalents) per gram of dried leaf. Their peroxyl-radical scavenging capacity was nearly half that of tea from Camellia sinensis per gram, yet they protected 60 to 80% of cells from oxidative stress in a cell-based assay, comparable to green and black tea, and reduced nitric oxide production by 10 to 30% in stimulated immune cells. The main compounds were caffeoylquinic acids, related to chlorogenic acid. [4] Another analysis identified chlorogenic acid, a quercetin glycoside and lutein, and found that fermenting the leaf reduced antioxidant content while blanching preserved it. [8] These are test-tube and cell results.
Blood sugar and metabolism (animal and lab data)
In a 2025 rat study, diabetic rats given guayusa tea (3 g per liter) for 21 days showed less of the metabolic and autonomic decline seen in untreated diabetic rats, with a link between blood sugar and a nervous system marker. The study was small (13 rats). [9] In the lab, ursolic acid from guayusa and yerba mate activated TGR5, a receptor involved in energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity. [7] Those findings justify more research. They do not show guayusa lowers blood sugar in people, and anyone with diabetes should not use it as a substitute for treatment.
| Claim | Evidence level | What we know |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term energy and mood | Two small human trials (extracts) | Improved mood, energy, focus and reaction time within 1 to 2 hours. [2] [3] |
| Clean energy with no jitters | Mixed | Jitteriness rose with dose in women in one trial. [2] |
| Antioxidant content | Lab tests | About half the peroxyl-radical capacity of green and black tea per gram; comparable cellular protection. [4] |
| Blood sugar | Animal and lab data | Promising in diabetic rats; not tested in people. [9] |
| Weight loss | No human evidence found | We did not find a human trial of guayusa for weight management. |
| Safety record | Toxicology plus long traditional use | No incremental toxicity beyond caffeine in 90-day rat studies. [1] [5] |
Guayusa vs coffee vs green tea vs yerba mate
People ask whether guayusa is a better coffee. It is a different drink. Caffeine amount varies with how much leaf you use and how long you steep, so we will not quote a number that depends on your cup. The safety review concluded that guayusa's chemistry appears to pose no greater risk than green tea or yerba mate. [5] On antioxidants, the lab data says per gram of leaf, guayusa sits below green and black tea in peroxyl-radical capacity, though cell-based protection was comparable. [4] The trial-based differences people report, such as a smoother lift, rest on small studies and personal experience, not head-to-head trials.
Guayusa side effects and who should be careful
In a 90-day rat toxicology study, the effects at high guayusa doses matched those of the caffeine-only control: lower body weight and fat pads, higher liver enzymes and cholesterol, and salivary gland changes. The authors saw no signs of toxicity beyond the caffeine. Genotoxicity tests were negative. [1] Human safety rests on the long history of consumption. [5]
- Caffeine sensitivity: jitteriness, a racing heart, anxiety or trouble sleeping are all possible, and jitteriness was dose-dependent in women in one trial. [2]
- Blood pressure: expect a small rise. People with hypertension or heart rhythm problems should ask a clinician. [2]
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: caffeine intake is usually limited. Ask your clinician.
- Sleep: drink it in the morning. Our label suggests morning before breakfast or mid-afternoon at the latest.
- Medication: stimulants can interact with some medicines, including some antidepressants and heart medication. Ask your pharmacist.
How to make guayusa tea
Our label directions: bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil, add 1 heaping tablespoon of guayusa leaf, turn the heat off, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then strain and drink warm. We suggest taking it in the morning before breakfast or as a mid-afternoon lift. A 30-minute steep is stronger than a typical tea bag steep, so start with half a cup if you are caffeine-sensitive. For other steeping ideas see our tea preparation guide.
How to buy guayusa well
- Species: Ilex guayusa named on the label, not a vague "holly blend."
- Whole leaf: you should see leaf, not dust.
- Origin: a named place and harvest practice. Guayusa from forest gardens supports Indigenous growers.
- Processing: the lab data above suggests blanching preserves antioxidants while fermentation reduces them. [8]
Ours is wild-harvested whole leaf from Kichwa Indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. View Guayusa. It is also an ingredient in our Zapped In blend.
Frequently asked questions
Does guayusa have caffeine?
Yes. Guayusa contains caffeine and theobromine, plus polyphenols such as chlorogenic acids. The amount in your cup depends on how much leaf you use and how long you steep. [1]
What are the benefits of guayusa tea?
Is guayusa better than coffee?
It is different, not proven better. No head-to-head human trial exists. Guayusa is a caffeinated tea with an extra stimulant, theobromine, and a safety profile reviewers judged no riskier than green tea or yerba mate. [5]
Does guayusa raise blood pressure?
A little, in studies. In a 2024 trial of 25 adults both doses raised blood pressure by about 4 to 5 mmHg. People with high blood pressure should ask a clinician before using it. [2]
Is guayusa safe to drink every day?
Does guayusa help you lose weight?
We found no human trial showing it does. Claims that it aids weight loss come mostly from its caffeine content and from animal studies, so treat them with caution.
How do you brew guayusa tea?
Bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil, add 1 heaping tablespoon of leaf, turn off the heat, cover and steep for 30 minutes, strain and drink warm. Start with a smaller cup if you are sensitive to caffeine.
Where can I buy guayusa tea in the USA?
Look for whole Ilex guayusa leaf with a named origin. Kawsaypac sells wild-harvested guayusa leaf from Kichwa communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon, shipped across the USA: view Guayusa.
References
- Kapp RW, Mendes O, Roy S, et al. (2016). General and Genetic Toxicology of Guayusa Concentrate (Ilex guayusa). Int J Toxicol. PubMed 26811391 · DOI
- Helwig NJ, Schwager LE, Berry AC, et al. (2024). Acute, dose-response effects of guayusa leaf extract on mood, cognitive and motor-cognitive performance, and blood pressure, heart rate, and ventricular repolarization. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. PubMed 39014963 · DOI
- La Monica MB, Raub B, Ziegenfuss EJ, et al. (2023). Acute Effects of Naturally Occurring Guayusa Tea and Nordic Lion's Mane Extracts on Cognitive Performance. Nutrients. PubMed 38140277 · DOI
- Pardau MD, Pereira ASP, Apostolides Z, et al. (2017). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ilex guayusa tea preparations: a comparison to Camellia sinensis teas. Food Funct. PubMed 29134218 · DOI
- Wise G, Negrin A (2020). A critical review of the composition and history of safe use of guayusa: a stimulant and antioxidant novel food. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. PubMed 31366209 · DOI
- Noriega P, Moreno E, Falcón A, et al. (2025). Guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loes.) Ancestral Plant of Ecuador: History, Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Biological Activity, and Potential Industrial Uses. Molecules. PubMed 40649351 · DOI
- Chianese G, Golin-Pacheco SD, Taglialatela-Scafati O, et al. (2019). Bioactive triterpenoids from the caffeine-rich plants guayusa and maté. Food Res Int. PubMed 30599971 · DOI
- García-Ruiz A, Baenas N, Benítez-González AM, et al. (2017). Guayusa (Ilex guayusa L.) new tea: phenolic and carotenoid composition and antioxidant capacity. J Sci Food Agric. PubMed 28188617 · DOI
- Mello TC, Dias DDS, Bernardes N, et al. (2025). Ilex Guayusa Tea Improves Glycaemia and Autonomic Modulation in Female Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). PubMed 40143095 · DOI