No, I didn’t mean mate, as in your spouse or the Austrilian term for buddy. I’m referring to Yerba Mate(mah tay), a South American tea cultivated in tropical rain forest of the lower countries and is extraordinarily rich in nutrients. This tea has many more antioxidants than white or green tea and is loaded is macrominerals like magnesium and potassium. When drunk from a gourd (or calabazza) and a closed-ended metal straw with holes as is the custom in South America, the teas is exceptionally potent and satisfying. About 2 years when I was diagnosed with Lymes, I was turned on to the wonder tea and feel passionatley in love with it for the effects it had on my body. I began to drink it regularly as a morning rital, and within a half and hour of consuming the beverage, my aches and stiffness would me massaged away, the fog in my head dissipate, my energy would rise, as would my mood. I believe it supplied my body with much need nutrients, especially magnesium, which is a mineral deficient in most Lyme-disease sufferers. It has also been know to be useful as a detoxifying agent and improves digestion greatly. Be aware that it does contain some caffeine, but when taken in moderation, the tea can be beneficial to the body and the mind. It can be purchased online or at Whole Foods and the brand I prefer is GUAYAKI, available in both loose teas and tea bags. Enjoy