Beneath the rainforest canopy in South America, the Guarani Indians have been drinking the steeped juice of the leaves of the wild yerba tree-bush for centuries. They cite numerous health benefits, including increased immune system strength, improved digestion, stress reduction, and stimulation of mental processes. Yerba (pronounced Sher-bah) Mate contains "practically all of the vitamins necessary to sustain life." To allow proper flavor release and to avoid a bitter flavor, Yerba tea should be steeped in hot water, not boiling. By using a "hot steep" you can infuse the same tea leaves several times and still experience an excellent tea. You will find this tea to be vegetal, herbal, and grassy much like a green tea. It is common practice still today to have friends gather round for a passing of the gourd. Passed in a counterclockwise motion, the gourd filled with Yerba Mate is passed from person to person drinking until the host, who prepares the beverage, runs out of water.