Common Name: Huayusa

General Information

Ilex guayusa is an evergreen tree with a large, dense crown; it can grow around 6 - 30 metres tall with a bole around 23 - 50cm in diameter, but can be kept smaller and shrub-like by constant trimming[, ].
The plant has a long history of cultivation and use, going back to pre-Colomban times, as a medicinal plant and a stimulating and refreshing tea. It is still often used locally to treat a variety of health conditions and to make a refreshing tea. It is grown in home gardens and, where available, is also harvested from the wild, the leaves.are sometimes sold in local markets[562. 918, ].
Ilex guayusa has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, Ilex species in general contain several potentially toxic compounds, particularly saponins, glycosides and triterpenoids. These compounds also often have a range of potential health benefits[, , ].
The berries are usually the part of the plant most likely to be toxic, though the degree of toxicity is usually low. Their bitter flavour usually prevents a person eating more than one or two, but even a small handful of the fruit eaten by a healthy adult is unlikely to cause more than feelings of nausea that can lead on to vomiting and diarrhoea[].
The compounds in the leaves are particularly interesting. The leaves of many Ilex species around the world are commonly used to make health-promoting teas that, when drunk on a regular basis, help to regulate bodily functions and can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood-cholesterol levels etc (See Ilex paraguariensis or Ilex kaushue for examples)[]. Even these teas, however, if taken in very concentrated doses, can act as a laxative or cause vomiting. Indeed, several species are used by traditional peoples to induce vomiting as a means of purifying the body (see Ilex guayusa or Ilex vomitoria for examples)

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela

Habitat

Forest, woodland and shrubland, often along forest edges; at elevations from 200 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Ilex species generally tolerate most soils that are not water-logged[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

An infusion of the bark, and especially of the leaves (because they are rich in caffeine), is a stimulating or toning drink that makes tiredness and sleep disappear[, ]. A very pleasant flavour[]. It can be consumed alone or blended with alcoholic and other beverages[].
An infusion of the leaves can be added to ayahuasca (a hallucinogenic drink prepared based on Banisteriopsis caapi),
in order to reduce its strong flavour, as well as ameliorate any possible hangover after drinking it[].
If the leaf infusion is concentrated by simmering it for several hours, the resultant thick liquid is used as an emetic to bring almost instant vomiting. This is used as a purification ritual by some traditional peoples[]

Medicinal

The leaves are antibacterial. diuretic, emetic, hypnotic, narcotic, stimulant, general tonic[]. A decoction is used to treat excessive sweating, headaches and flu. A decoction or infusion of the dried leaves is used as a stimulant - this is also seen as a way of 'saving food' since, when drinking the beverage in the morning, a person does not feel hungry until noon. The decoction is also used as a nervous and muscular stimulant, as a digestive and an expectorant. The leaves are also used to treat diabetes. The decoction of the leaves relieves the discomforts of the body[, ].
An infusion of the leaves is taken to keep the stomach clean and treat indigestion. The infusion is taken by pregnant women and serves to increase fertility in women who are finding it difficult to conceive[, ]. The infusion also stops diarrhoea in children[]. The leaves, in infusion and in steam baths, are used as a brain tonic (they are said to mitigate depression); to stimulate the functioning of the stomach; and to treat abdominal pain both before and after childbirth[]. They also relieve the flu, fevers, rheumatism, body aches and headaches[].
The whole fresh plant is used as a diuretic and to treat anaemia[].

The bark and leaves are used to treat arthritis and rheumatism[].

Other Uses

The powdered leaves are used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin protector[].

Propagation

Seed -

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