Unlocking Nature's Secrets: Guayusa the Tea of the Rainforest

Looking for a smooth, jitter-free energy boost that doesn’t leave you crashing an hour later? Meet Guayusa (pronounced “gwhy-you-sa”)—your new herbal go-to for clean, focused energy. At MushroomTop Tea, we love blending this unique Amazonian leaf into teas that support both your body and mind. Whether you're gearing up for a creative sprint, powering through work, or simply trying to feel more like your top self—Guayusa is a leaf worth knowing.

What Is Guayusa?

Guayusa comes from the Ilex guayusa tree, native to the Amazon Rainforest, especially in Ecuador. For centuries, indigenous communities have brewed it as a morning ritual to sharpen their senses and awaken the spirit. Think of it as Yerba Mate's smoother cousin—rich in antioxidants, naturally caffeinated, but without the bitterness.

Flavor Profile & Aroma

Flavor: Guayusa is delightfully smooth and earthy, with mild grassy notes and a slightly sweet finish. It doesn’t have the sharpness of green tea or the smokiness of Yerba Mate, making it a great base for herbal blends.

Aroma: Light, slightly herbaceous, and subtly sweet—imagine fresh cut hay with a hint of sugarcane.

Benefits of Guayusa Tea

Guayusa isn’t just about the caffeine (though it does contain about as much as a shot of espresso). Here’s why we’re obsessed:

• Natural Caffeine for Energy – Guayusa contains about 45–60 mg per cup—which helps:

  • Stimulate the central nervous system

  • Increase alertness and concentration

  • Boost metabolism and physical performance

  Unlike coffee, Guayusa doesn't cause the usual crash, thanks to its balancing compounds (see below).

• L-Theanine for Calm Focus – Like green tea, Guayusa contains L-theanine, an amino acid that:

  • Promotes alpha brain wave activity (a calm yet alert state)

  • Reduces jitteriness from caffeine

  • Supports mental clarity, focus, and calm energy

  This makes Guayusa ideal for people who want to feel “on” without feeling anxious or overstimulated.

  
  

• Rich in Antioxidants – Guayusa is packed with polyphenols, chlorogenic acids, and other antioxidants that:

  • Protect against cellular damage

  • Help reduce inflammation

  • May support blood sugar balance and heart health

  Its antioxidant content is said to be comparable to or higher than green tea.

  
  

• Mood and Brain Support – Guayusa also contains theobromine, the same compound found in cacao. Theobromine:

  • Acts as a gentle stimulant and vasodilator

  • Enhances blood flow

  • Can improve mood and mental well-being

  Unlike caffeine, theobromine is longer-lasting and less intense, providing a gentle sense of uplift.

Best Pairings

Whether you want a blend that tastes great or does something great—Guayusa plays well with others.

Flavor Pairings:

• Citrus (lemon, orange peel) – Enhances brightness and adds a zesty twist.

  
  

• Spearmint or Peppermint – Elevates the refreshment factor.

  
  

• Ginger or Cardamom – Adds spice and warms the belly.

  
  

• Berries or Hibiscus – Naturally sweet and tangy contrast.

Functional Pairings:

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom – For mental clarity and focus.

  
  

• Gotu Kola – Enhances memory and circulation.

  
  

• Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Adds an adaptogenic calm to the energizing lift.

  
  

• Rhodiola Rosea – Natural stress support that complements Guayusa’s smooth stimulation.

Fun Fact:

Guayusa was once nicknamed the “Night Watchman’s Tea” because Amazonian hunters would drink it to stay alert on overnight forest treks—no jitters, just steady focus.

Our Guayusa Blends:

Our current blends in rotation that contain guayusa are going to be the Get To It Tea and the Ember Blend. Two of our highest caffeinated blends. The Get To It being a more mentally energizing blend while the Ember Blend is a more physically energizing blend. Head over to our shop and order one of these blends today to fuel your body and mind or checkout our spotlight blend below and put it together yourself in our Create Your Own Tea Section. Enjoy our recipe or add your own spin to it and make it uniquely yours.

Spotlight Blend: Vital Bloom (Cordyceps + Guayusa Energy Blend)

• Cordyceps Mushroom (Base) - Supports stamina, lung function, and cellular energy production (ATP). Perfect for endurance, workouts, and fatigue recovery.

  
  

• Guayusa - Naturally caffeinated and rich in L-theanine, offering smooth, balanced energy and focused alertness.

• Tulsi (Holy Basil) - Adaptogen that helps regulate stress response, supports mental clarity, and keeps energy levels steady without overstimulation.

  
  

• Lemongrass - Adds a citrusy brightness while supporting digestion, circulation, and a clean, refreshing mouthfeel.

  
  

• Moringa Leaf - Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Moringa supports overall vitality, immune strength, and gentle energy.

  
  

• Rosemary - Stimulates circulation to the brain, promotes mental clarity and memory, and brings a lightly savory herbal note to balance the citrus and green flavors.

Flavor & Aroma Profile:

• Aroma: Clean and herbaceous with uplifting citrus, grounding greens, and a hint of forest-like rosemary.

• Taste: Bright and refreshing with citrusy top notes (lemongrass), subtle earthiness from moringa and cordyceps, rounded out by a fresh, piney finish from rosemary. Tulsi adds a mellow, gently sweet herbal base. Guayusa ties it together with a smooth green body.

Functional Benefits:

• Smooth energy + stamina (Guayusa + Cordyceps)

• Adrenal support + mental clarity (Tulsi + Rosemary)

• Nutrient-rich revitalization (Moringa)

• Clean digestion and refreshment (Lemongrass)

Why This Blend Works:

Vital Bloom energizes without overstimulating. Cordyceps and Guayusa lay the foundation for clear-headed energy. Tulsi, Moringa, and Rosemary help keep the body in balance and the mind sharp, while Lemongrass uplifts the whole cup with bright, digestible joy.

F.A.Q.

Q. Does Guayusa contain caffeine?

A. Yes, about 45-60 mg. per cup, pretty close to a shot of espresso.

Q. How does it compare to coffee or yerba mate?

A. Less acidic and harsh than coffee. Smoother and less bitter than yerba mate. Gentler and longer lasting energy without spikes.

Q. Can I drink guayusa daily?

A. Yes! Most people can safely enjoy 1-3 cups per day depending on caffeine sensitivity.

Your Top Self Starts Here

Guayusa is more than a trendy buzzword—it’s a time-tested leaf that helps you rise, focus, and glow. Add it to your wellness rotation and experience the calm energy of the rainforest in your teacup.

Stay energized,

your fungi friend, Octavio

MushroomTop Tea - Tea to help you feel like your top self