Preparation & Usage

Traditional Preparation

The traditional preparation of Guayusa by indigenous Amazonian peoples is a ritual process that has been perfected over millennia. This method maximizes the extraction of caffeine

Wayus Ritual of the Kichwa

The morning Wayus

Ingredients and Quantities (according to Lewis et al. 1991)

• Dried Guayusa leaves: 17.8 g per person
• Water: ~2.2 liters per person
• Ratio: 8 g leaves per liter of water

Preparation

1. Time: Before sunrise (3-5 AM)
2. Boiling water: In a large pot over an open fire
3. Add Leaves: Add dried leaves to the boiling water
4. Boiling Time: 1 hour at a gentle simmer
5. Strain: Remove leaves (optional – they are often left in)
6. Drinking: Hot, in large quantities over ~1 hour
7. Vomiting: Traditionally induced after ~55 minutes (see Rituals page)

Result

• Caffeine Concentration: 3.33% (very high!)
• Flavor: Strong, bitter, earthy
• Effect: Intense stimulation, alertness, clarity

Shuar/Achuar Method

Similar to Kichwa, but with some variations:

• Fresh Leaves: Fresh leaves are often used instead of dried ones
• Quantity: Approximately double the quantity of fresh leaves (35–40 g per person)
• Boiling Time: 30-60 minutes
• Additions: Sometimes with lemongrass or other herbs

Cold Preparation (Traditional)

Less common, but documented:

• Method: Steep leaves in cold water for 24 hours
• Caffeine Extraction: 2.78% (slightly less than boiling)
• Flavor: Milder, less bitter
• Usage: During the day, less ritualistic

Brew logic in 20 seconds

This is the core of preparation: temperature, steep time, and leaf amount jointly shape your cup profile.

Modern Preparation Methods

Various practical preparation methods have been developed for Western consumption, making the benefits of Guayusa accessible without the intensive traditional preparation.

1. Classic Tea Infusion

The simplest and most popular method:

Ingredients

• Guayusa Leaves: 2-4 g (1-2 teaspoons)
• Water: 250 ml
• Temperature: 90-100°C (boiling or briefly cooled)

Instructions

1. Heat water to 90-100°C
2. Add Guayusa leaves to teapot
3. Pour hot water over leaves
4. Steep for 5-10 minutes
5. Strain and enjoy

Result

• Guayusa Leaves: 15-20 g
• Cold Water: 1 Liter
• Flavor: Very mild, sweet, no bitterness

2. French Press

For stronger Guayusa with full extraction:

Ingredients

• Caffeine: Even extraction (~70 mg/250ml)
• Polyphenols: Well preserved (no heat)

Instructions

1. Add Guayusa to French Press
2. Pour boiling water
3. Stir gently
4. Let steep 5-10 minutes
5. Press plunger down
6. Serve immediately

Result

• Full extraction of compounds
• Easy preparation of larger quantities
• No tea bag or filter needed

3. Cold Brew (Cold Extraction)

Modern variant of the traditional cold brew method:

Ingredients

• Recommended: 300-400 mg caffeine per day (= 3-5 cups of Guayusa)
• Maximum: 600 mg caffeine per day (= 6-8 cups)

Instructions

1. Place Guayusa in pitcher or bottle
2. Fill with cold water
3. Refrigerate 8-12 hours (or overnight)
4. Strain
5. Serve cold or over ice

Ingredients

• Afternoon: Only a mild dose (2-4 PM)
• Evening: Avoid (can disrupt sleep)
• Last Dose: At least 6 hours before bedtime
• Body Weight: Heavier individuals require slightly more

4. Espresso Machine / Moka Pot

For concentrated Guayusa extract:

Instructions

• Use Guayusa like coffee grounds in portafilter
• Tamp firmly (but not too hard)
• Brew like espresso
• Result: Concentrated Guayusa shot

Instructions

• Pure as a shot
• Diluted with water (Americano style)
• As base for Guayusa latte

5. Tea Bags

Commercially available, very practical:

• Re-infusion Potential: Guayusa leaves can be infused 2–3 times
• 1st Infusion: Full strength
• 2nd Infusion: ~70% caffeine, milder flavor
• 3rd Infusion: ~40% caffeine, very mild

6. Instant Powder / Extract

Modern convenience variant:

• Tip: Allow the second infusion to steep slightly longer
• Container: Airtight, protected from light
• Location: Cool, dry, dark
• Shelf Life: 12-24 months with optimal storage

Dosage

The optimal Guayusa dosage depends on individual caffeine tolerance, desired effect, and time of day.

Dosage Recommendations Based on Experience

Maximum Daily Dose

• Check Freshness: Scent should be fresh and aromatic
• Empty Stomach: Faster and stronger effect
• With Fat: Small amount of healthy fat (nuts, avocado) improves polyphenol absorption
• Vitamin C: Lemon or orange increases iron absorption

Timing

• Physical Activity: Light physical activity after drinking enhances the effect
• Too Much at Once: Preferably several moderate doses distributed throughout the day
• Late consumption: Last dose at least 6 hours before bedtime
• Over-steeping: It becomes very bitter after 15 minutes
• Aged leaves: Lose aroma and polyphenols over time
• With Coffee: Possible, but caffeine is cumulative (Caution!)

Individual Adjustment

Factors influencing the dosage:

• With Green Tea/Matcha: Excellent - both contain L-Theanine

  L-Theanine

  Amino acid with relaxing effects found in Guayusa (0.02-0.05%) and green tea. Acts synergistically with caffeine and reduces nervousness.

  More Info
• With Yerba Mate: Similar effect, but double the caffeine
• With Alcohol: Not recommended (masks the effects of alcohol)
• Pre-Workout: 30-60 minutes before training
• Dosage: 100-150 mg caffeine (= 1-2 strong cups)
• Benefit: Endurance, Focus, Fat Burning

Recipes

High-quality Guayusa from sustainable Chakra

1. Classic Guayusa Tea

The simplest and most popular Guayusa recipe - perfect for beginners and daily enjoyment.

Ingredients

• Drink additional water (caffeine is diuretic)
• Moderate dosage (60-90 mg caffeine)
• One cup every 3-4 hours
• L-Theanine prevents jitters
• Combine with short breaks (Pomodoro Technique)

Advantage

1. Less packaging than tea bags
2. Used leaves are compostable
3. GUYA products support sustainable cultivation

2. Guayusa Latte

Creamy and mild - combines the energy of Guayusa with the comfort of a latte.

Ingredients

• Loose leaf, tea bags, powder, ready-to-drink
• Sello Chakra Amazonia

  Sello Chakra Amazonia

  Certification system for sustainable products from chakra systems. GUYA is certified with this seal.

  More Info
  certification
• Fair prices for indigenous communities
• Bring water to a boil
• Place Guayusa leaves in a teapot or cup

Advantage

1. Pour hot water over (the leaves)
2. Steeping time: 5-7 minutes (mild) to 10-15 minutes (strong)
3. Strain and enjoy
4. Place Guayusa in a French Press

3. Iced Guayusa (Iced Tea)

Refreshing and energizing - perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients

• Fill with boiling water
• Stir
• Let steep for 5-10 minutes
• Press the plunger down
• Serve immediately (do not let stand too long)

Advantage

1. Full extraction of constituents
2. Easy preparation of larger quantities
3. No tea bag or filter necessary
4. Place Guayusa in a pitcher or bottle

4. Guayusa Smoothie

Nutrient-rich and energizing - ideal as a breakfast replacement or pre-workout drink.

Ingredients

• Fill with cold water
• Allow to steep in the refrigerator for 8–12 hours (or overnight)
• Strain
• Serve cold or with ice

Advantage

1. Place Guayusa, like coffee, into a portafilter or Moka pot
2. Tamp firmly (but not too firmly)
3. Prepare like espresso
4. Result: Concentrated Guayusa Shot

5. Guayusa Chai

Spicy and warming - traditional chai spices meet Amazonian energy.

Ingredients

• Straight as a shot
• Diluted with water (Americano style)
• As a base for Guayusa Latte
• 3–4 g Guayusa leaves

Advantage

1. 250 ml boiling water
2. Optional: Honey, lemon
3. 60 ml concentrated Guayusa (double strength)
4. 180 ml frothed milk (or plant-based milk)

Tips & Tricks

Additional tips for optimal Guayusa preparation and enjoyment:

6. Guayusa Lemonade

• Guayusa: 200 ml strong Guayusa (cold)
• Lemon juice: 50 ml fresh lemon juice
• Sweetener: 2 tbsp honey or agave syrup
• Sparkling water: 300 ml sparkling water

7. Guayusa Matcha Blend

• Matcha: 1 tsp Matcha powder
• Hot water: 100 ml hot water (70°C)
• Guayusa: 150 ml Guayusa (hot)

8. Guayusa Cocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

• Guayusa: 100 ml cold Guayusa
• Pineapple juice: 50 ml pineapple juice
• Coconut water: 30 ml coconut water

Optimizing Flavor

• 1 tbsp almond butter
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• Ice cubes
• 4 g Guayusa leaves