Pharmacy name: mate leaves – Mate folium (formerly: Folia Mate).
Botanical description. Evergreen tree from 1 to 6 m tall, with large ovate serrated leaves 5-16 cm long. Grows in South America.
Active ingredients: bound caffeine, tannins, resinous substances, aromatic substances, theobromine, theophylline and traces of vanillin.
Application. We only know mate tea as a delicious refreshing drink, but in the old days it was used as an adjuvant in obesity course treatments, as it suppresses the feeling of hunger. In addition, it has a mild laxative effect.