Yerba Mate
Ilex paraguariensis
T Traditional useTraditionally used for tiredness and weakness, and to increase urine in minor urinary complaints. Contains caffeine; avoid with high blood pressure or ulcers.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
The EMA assesses mate leaf as a traditional herbal product for two uses: tiredness and a feeling of weakness, and increasing urine flow to help flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints. Mate contains caffeine, so it must not be used with stomach or duodenal ulcers, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems or an overactive thyroid.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for tiredness and a feeling of weakness. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to increase urine flow to help flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints. [1]
How is it used?
Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
- Do not use with stomach or duodenal ulcers, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, an overactive thyroid, or when fluid intake must be limited (e.g. urinary obstruction).
- Not recommended before bedtime as it may disturb sleep.
- See a doctor if tiredness lasts over 1 week or urinary complaints over 2 weeks; see one at once with fever, painful urination, cramps or blood in the urine.
- Not recommended under 18 because of insufficient data.
- Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| MAO-inhibitor antidepressants | Use with caution. [1] | Moderate |
| Sedatives and sympathomimetic medicines | Caffeine may reduce the effect of sedatives and increase side effects of sympathomimetics. [1] | Moderate |
Side effects
- None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Because mate contains caffeine, the EMA advises against drinking it before bedtime. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does mate contain caffeine?
Yes. It is therefore not recommended before bedtime and must not be used with high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems or ulcers.
Does mate help with tiredness?
The EMA accepts its traditional use for tiredness and weakness. See a doctor if tiredness lasts over 1 week.
Can I drink mate in pregnancy?
No, the EMA advises avoiding it in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Sources
Cite This Page
Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/yerba-mate/
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