Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) has a long history of traditional use in South American cultures, particularly in countries like Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, where it is commonly consumed as a tea. One of the traditional reasons for drinking yerba mate is its reputed ability to reduce hunger and support those with a deficient appetite. Historical records and ethnobotanical studies document that indigenous peoples and rural populations have used yerba mate as a tonic beverage to promote wakefulness, energy, and sometimes to help sustain individuals during periods of food scarcity by suppressing appetite.

The traditional use is likely due to yerba mate’s caffeine and related methylxanthines content, which can stimulate the central nervous system and may modestly reduce hunger sensations. However, while these observations are longstanding, scientific studies directly evaluating yerba mate’s efficacy for increasing appetite (as opposed to suppressing it) are limited. Most modern research focuses on yerba mate’s appetite-suppressing properties, which are of interest in weight management rather than appetite stimulation.

In summary, yerba mate’s use to support appetite (deficient) is grounded more in traditional practice than robust scientific validation, and the available evidence suggests its effects are more commonly associated with appetite suppression. Caution is advised for those seeking to stimulate appetite, as yerba mate may have the opposite effect in some individuals.

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