Mate (Yerba Mate) loose leaf, South American tea

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Herbal Tea

Mate (Yerba Mate) loose leaf, South American tea

Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.

Also known as: Yerba Mate, Paraguay Tea, St. Bartholomew's Tea.

Mate is an evergreen tree of the Aquifoliaceae family, native to the subtropical forests of South America. The dried, broken leaves are the part used, here in loose form.

See the full description ↓

Write the first review Code: TEA-0040

2.60€ 52.00€ / kg Price includes VAT

Shipping options

Last updated: October 2026

Our courier partners

We work with the following courier companies to ensure fast and reliable delivery:

ACS Courier: delivery across Greece and to Cyprus
ACS Smart Lockers: collection from automated parcel lockers
ELTA Courier: delivery across Greece
Box Now: collection from automated parcel lockers
DHL: deliveries to EU countries

Dispatch and delivery times

When your order is dispatched

Most products are dispatched within 1–2 business days of order confirmation. For bank transfers, the time counts from receipt of payment. If a product is temporarily out of stock, dispatch may take 3–5 business days and we will notify you promptly.

Estimated delivery times

Destination	Delivery time	Note
Athens and major cities	1–2 business days
Regional areas	1–3 business days
Islands and remote areas	2–5 business days	Subject to route schedules
EU countries (DHL)	usually 4–6 business days	Depending on the destination
Cyprus (ACS Courier)	5–7 business days	From the departure of the ship

Delivery times count from the day of dispatch. They are estimates and may be affected by circumstances beyond our control (strikes, adverse weather, etc.).

Delivery days

Deliveries are made on business days (Monday–Friday).
Saturday delivery: available on request, at an additional charge.
Same-day delivery: available on request, at an additional charge.
Delivery at a scheduled time: available on request, at an additional charge.

Shipping costs within Greece

Free shipping on orders over €49

On orders over €49, shipping is free for the first 3 kg. If your parcel is heavier, you keep the free shipping and pay only for the extra weight, at €1.50 per kg.

Orders up to €49

Free shipping does not apply to orders up to €49. Shipping starts from €3.50 for parcels up to 2 kg. The exact amount is calculated automatically at checkout, based on the courier, the weight and the destination, and is shown before you complete your order.

Tip: combine your purchases into a single order over €49 to get free shipping.

Cash on delivery

Paying by cash on delivery costs an extra €2.50, on top of the shipping cost.

Order tracking

Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an SMS or e-mail with a tracking number so you can follow your parcel in real time.

Uncollected parcels

ACS, ELTA: parcels are held at the courier's office for up to 7 days.
Box Now: parcels are held in the locker for 48 hours.
DHL (EU shipments): parcels are held at the local DHL office for a limited number of days. Please contact your local DHL office to confirm.

If you are unable to collect your parcel in time, please contact us and we will find a solution. If a parcel is returned to us without prior notice, the outbound and return shipping costs are charged to the customer. See our Returns Policy for details.

Shipping to the European Union and Cyprus

We ship to all European Union countries with DHL, from €18 (Cyprus and Malta from €20). For Cyprus you can also choose ACS Courier (from €9.60). The exact cost is shown at checkout, before you pay.

On EU orders over €200, shipping is free for the first 2 kg and you pay only for the extra weight.

Since all shipments travel within the European Union, there are no customs duties or import charges.

Full details on our International Orders — European Union page.

Contact us about shipping

E-mail: info@yperikon.gr
Phone: (+30) 2610 221354
Opening hours (Greek time): Mon, Wed, Sat 9:00–14:00 · Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00–14:00 & 18:00–21:00 · Sunday closed

Shipping and Delivery · International Orders — European Union

Payment methods

PAYMENT METHODS
Last updated: May 2026

All products, prices, and shipping terms are confirmed in your order confirmation e-mail. Payment is made before delivery and can be completed using one of the following methods:

1. CREDIT / DEBIT CARD
We accept Visa and Mastercard (credit and debit cards) with full security via Piraeus Bank / Epay. No additional charge.
• Google pay/Apple pay
• SSL encryption — your card details are never stored on our systems
• Instant order confirmation
• No additional fees

2. CASH ON DELIVERY
Pay in cash directly to the courier representative upon delivery. A service fee of €2.50 applies.
Available for deliveries within Greece only.

3. BANK TRANSFER
After placing your order, please wait for our e-mail confirmation of product availability. Then transfer the total amount to one of the following accounts:

Bank	IBAN	Account No.
National bank	GR3201108360000083600252080	836 0025 2080
Alpha Bank	GR3901405300530002101442697	530002101442697
Eurobank	GR2002606720000990200149181	0026067299 0200149181
Piraeus	GR9401725070005507082823498	5507082823498

Bank IBAN Account No.
Εθνική Τράπεζα GR3201108360000083600252080 836 0025 2080
Alpha Bank GR3901405300530002101442697 530002101442697
Eurobank GR2002606720000990200149181 0026067299 0200149181
Πειραιώς GR9401725070005507082823498 5507082823498

Account holder: ANASTASOPULOS VASSILIOS

•No additional charge for transfers from the same bank
•Transfers from a different Greek bank may incur standard inter-bank transfer fees (e-banking)
•Transfers from a bank outside Greece: an additional fee of €4.00 applies, to be added by the buyer to the total amount transferred
•We recommend notifying us by e-mail (info@yperikon.gr) once the transfer is made, including the date and bank used — this helps us dispatch your order faster

4. IRIS PAYMENTS
You can pay instantly via IRIS using our Tax ID (AFM):
Tax ID (AFM): 104130231
IRIS Payments enables instant bank-to-bank transfers at no charge.

Note: Bank transfer and IRIS Payments are available for orders within Greece only. For EU orders, please use card payment at checkout.

Payment Methods

Have a question about Mate loose leaf?

Send us a message and we reply within one working day. Or call us on (+30) 2610 221354 during shop hours.

Send a message (+30) 2610 221354

What it is

Mate is an evergreen tree of the Aquifoliaceae family, native to the subtropical forests of South America. The dried, broken leaves are the part used, here in loose form.

It is the national drink of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile. It is served in a dried gourd — which carries the same name, mate — and drawn through a metal straw, the bombilla. People hold it for hours, and the same charge of leaves is refilled many times over.

Key properties

The leaves are naturally rich in caffeine and theobromine — mate is among the few plants carrying both xanthines, theobromine being the same compound found in cocoa.

They also contain polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, carotene and 15 amino acids, along with vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B5 and niacin and the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, phosphorus and zinc. The antioxidant capacity of the infusion has been measured slightly above that of green tea.

On caffeine, mate sits between coffee and tea: less than a cup of coffee, more than a cup of tea. The substance once called "mateine" is caffeine itself.

Uses

What it addresses

Traditionally associated with stimulation, energy, mental focus, physical performance and metabolism.

How it is commonly used

In South America mate is drunk through the day and often takes the place of coffee. It is regarded as a drink that keeps you alert without the sharp peak of coffee.

The plant has been studied along several lines. In a trial with exercising subjects, its ingestion was examined in relation to fat oxidation and energy expenditure during exercise. Aqueous extracts have been examined as a natural antimicrobial against Escherichia coli. Its saponins, together with quercetin, have been studied in cell models with respect to the iNOS and COX-2 enzymes. An aqueous extract has been examined in rabbits in relation to the progression of atherosclerosis and cholesterol levels, and in mice in relation to body weight and blood sugar control. These are preclinical findings; further research in humans is needed.

In traditional folk use, the infusion was also applied externally to skin and scalp, for dandruff and dryness.

Preparation & dosage

Infusion in a cup

1 tsp of leaves per 250 ml cup, in water at 90°C for 7–10 minutes. Good for 1–2 infusions.

Traditionally, with a bombilla

Fill the gourd two thirds with leaves, tilt it so the leaves gather to one side, wet them first with lukewarm water and let them swell. Insert the bombilla and top up with water at up to 80°C, never boiling. The same charge is refilled many times, until the flavour fades.

Quantities are indicative and based on traditional use and published herbal literature. For prolonged use, or if you are on medication, consult a healthcare professional.

Combinations with other herbs

In South America mate is often taken with mint or lemon verbena, while in Paraguay it is served cold as tereré with lemon and aromatic herbs. Modern blends pair it with hibiscus, lemongrass and rosehip.

Precautions

Contains caffeine. Not advised for those sensitive to caffeine, nor alongside other caffeine sources through the day.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: To be avoided, on account of documented adverse effects.
Late in the day: It may affect sleep; earlier in the day is preferable.
Temperature: Not to be drunk scalding hot. Very hot drinks, above 65°C, are associated with irritation of the oesophagus — let it cool.
Blood pressure, cardiovascular or psychiatric medication: Consult a doctor before regular use.

Frequently asked questions

How much caffeine compared with coffee?

Less than a cup of coffee and more than a cup of tea. The substance once called "mateine" is caffeine itself.

Do I need a gourd and a bombilla?

No. It works perfectly well as a plain infusion in a cup, 1 tsp at 90°C for 7–10 minutes. The gourd is the traditional ritual, not a requirement.

How does it differ from mate powder?

Loose leaves are made for infusion and are refilled many times. The powder dissolves directly and suits smoothies, milk drinks and recipes.

Sources & bibliography:

Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): a comprehensive review on chemistry, health implications, and technological considerations
Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) ingestion augments fat oxidation and energy expenditure during exercise at various submaximal intensities
Aqueous extracts of yerba mate as a natural antimicrobial against Escherichia coli O157:H7
Saponins in yerba mate tea and quercetin synergistically inhibit iNOS and COX-2 in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages through NF-κB pathways
Aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits
Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of Yerba Mate in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet

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