Macela tea—also known as Brazilian everlasting, golden everlasting, or field chamomile—is a traditional herbal infusion widely used in South America for digestive comfort, relaxation, and inflammation relief. Valued for generations in folk medicine, this aromatic plant is now gaining attention among people seeking natural, gentle remedies for both physical and emotional well-being.
With its mild floral aroma and well-documented therapeutic properties, macela tea offers a natural way to support digestion, calm the nervous system, and promote overall balance.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What macela is and where it comes from
- Its main medicinal properties
- Proven health benefits of macela tea
- How to prepare it correctly
- Safety guidelines and contraindications
- Practical ways to include it in your daily routine
This content does not replace medical advice.
What Is Macela?
Macela (Achyrocline satureioides) is an aromatic herb from the Asteraceae family, native to South America—especially Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. In English, it is most commonly referred to as Brazilian everlasting or golden everlasting, due to its long-lasting yellow flowers.
The plant grows naturally in open fields and dry, sandy soils. Traditionally, its flowers are harvested when fully developed, as they contain the highest concentration of active compounds.
While macela is sometimes compared to chamomile because of its calming effects, it is a different species with a unique phytochemical profile and slightly stronger digestive action.
Medicinal Properties of Macela Tea
Macela contains several bioactive compounds, including:
- Flavonoids
- Essential oils
- Sesquiterpene lactones
- Coumarins
These compounds give macela tea a broad range of therapeutic actions, such as:
- Calming and mildly sedative
- Digestive and carminative
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Analgesic
- Antioxidant
- Mild expectorant
Because of this combination, macela tea is often used to support both digestive health and emotional balance.
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What Is Macela Tea Used For?
1. Stress Relief and Better Sleep
One of the most popular uses of macela tea is as a natural calming agent. Its gentle sedative properties help relax the nervous system, reduce mental tension, and support more restful sleep—especially when consumed in the evening.
If you enjoy calming herbal teas, you may also like lavender tea, another well-known relaxation aid.
2. Digestive Comfort
Macela tea is widely used to relieve:
- Indigestion
- Gas and bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Mild intestinal discomfort
Its antispasmodic effect helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, making it especially useful after heavy meals.
3. Menstrual Cramp Relief
Thanks to its muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, macela tea can help reduce menstrual cramps and ease premenstrual tension. Many women also report improved mood and relaxation during PMS.
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4. Muscle Pain and Inflammation
Macela has natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It may help relieve:
- Muscle soreness
- Joint discomfort
- Mild inflammatory pain
In addition to drinking the tea, it can also be used externally in compresses or herbal baths.
5. Respiratory Support
As a mild expectorant, macela tea may assist in easing coughs, chest congestion, and minor respiratory irritation—particularly during colds.
6. Antioxidant Protection
Flavonoids found in macela help neutralize free radicals, contributing to cellular protection and long-term wellness.
How to Prepare Macela Tea Correctly
The best way to prepare macela tea is through infusion, which preserves its delicate essential oils and active compounds.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried macela flowers
- 1 cup (200 ml) filtered water
Preparation Method:
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Turn off the heat and add the macela flowers.
- Cover and let steep for 5–10 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm.
Recommended intake: up to 2 cups per day.
For a deeper understanding of infusion temperatures and herbal preparation methods, see our complete guide:
How to Prepare Medicinal Teas Correctly
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Other Ways to Use Macela
In addition to tea, macela can be used in several traditional ways:
- Relaxing herbal baths – help reduce stress and muscle tension
- Warm compresses – applied to sore muscles or inflamed areas
- Herbal tinctures – concentrated extracts used under professional guidance
Safety, Precautions, and Contraindications
Macela is generally considered safe when used appropriately, but some precautions apply:
- Avoid excessive consumption (more than 3 cups per day).
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional.
- People allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as chamomile, arnica, or daisies) should use caution.
- Young children should only use macela under medical guidance.
Where to Find Macela in the U.S.
In the United States, macela can usually be found as dried flowers in:
- Latin American or Brazilian specialty stores
- Herbal shops and natural food stores
- Online herbal suppliers
Always choose organic, pesticide-free products from reputable sources.
Traditional and Cultural Significance
In South American folk traditions, macela is also associated with emotional cleansing and spiritual calm. Herbal baths made from its flowers are traditionally used to promote inner peace and emotional balance—an aspect that continues to resonate with holistic wellness practices today.
Final Thoughts: A Gentle Yet Powerful Herbal Ally
Macela tea is a simple but remarkably effective herbal infusion. With its calming, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties, it offers a natural way to care for both body and mind.
When used mindfully and in moderation, macela can become a comforting daily ritual—bringing relaxation, digestive ease, and overall well-being with every cup.
Prepare your tea the right way
If you plan to use this plant to make tea, use the Nutritive Blog tea infusion timer. Proper infusion time helps preserve active compounds and ensures better results.
Author Box
Written by Alexandre Zorek — graduate in Business Administration with postgraduate studies in Botany. Passionate about orchids, photography, and natural foods, and father to Bianca and Beatriz, he shares reliable, accessible knowledge about plants, fruits, teas, and vegetables.
