Mate is a tree native to South America, which grows up to 20m in height in the wild but is kept to between 4 and 8m when cultivated. Mate grows beside streams and in the mountainous forests of Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. Just after harvesting, the leaves are dried by turning them rapidly above a fire in perforated cylinders. They are sometimes roasted as well. Since the most ancient times, Mate leaves have been used widely in South America to make a tonic and stimulating drink (because of their caffeine content) which is also known to relieve rheumatisms and headaches. There, the plant is called yerba, 'divine herb' while the Mate refers to the cup in which the herbal Tea is traditionally prepared. Occasionally, the leaves were also applied to ulcers in poultices. Mate symbolizes friendship and hospitality.
INCI name
Glycerin (and) Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
