Maytenus tea (Maytenus ilicifolia), commonly known as espinheira-santa, is a plant native to South America, especially found in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Its leaves have been used for centuries to make traditional teas that are part of popular culture and recognized herbal medicine practices.

The tea is appreciated for its distinct flavor and for the tradition linked to well-being after meals. More than just a hot drink, espinheira-santa represents a connection between ancestral knowledge and the search for natural balance.

In this article, you’ll discover curiosities, traditional uses, a simple recipe, storage tips, and precautions to observe when including this plant in your daily life.

---

🌿 Nutritional Table – Maytenus (Dried Leaves, 100 g)

Nutrient	Amount	%DV*
Energy	208 kcal	10%
Carbohydrates	43.8 g	15%
Proteins	5.2 g	7%
Fiber	15.4 g	62%
Calcium	540 mg	54%
Iron	9.3 mg	66%
Magnesium	152 mg	58%
Potassium	742 mg	16%
Vitamin C	21.4 mg	24%

*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 kcal diet.
Sources: USDA FoodData Central | TACO/Unicamp

---

🌱 Benefits and Cultural Curiosities

• Popularly known as the “miracle herb for the stomach,” espinheira-santa has been valued in southern Brazil since the Guarani Indigenous peoples.
• The tea has long been a family tradition, especially during celebrations or after heavy meals.
• It is officially recognized by Brazil’s Ministry of Health as one of the medicinal plants of interest in the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System), used in herbal medicine programs.

---

🏺 Traditional and Popular Uses

• In folk culture, Maytenus tea is traditionally consumed after meals.
• Rural communities often describe it as a “digestive relief drink.”
• Its use is passed down through generations, especially in Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul.

---

🍵 Simple Maytenus Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of dried espinheira-santa leaves
• 250 ml (1 cup) of water

Preparation:

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the leaves and turn off the heat.
3. Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Strain and drink warm, unsweetened or with a touch of honey.

---

🍽️ Culinary and Cosmetic Uses

• Although most known for the tea, espinheira-santa is also used in extracts and capsules, always under professional guidance.
• In cosmetic applications, the plant appears in handmade soaps and shampoos, valued for its traditional natural use.

---

🧺 Storage and Cultivation

• Store dried leaves in a dark glass container, away from light and humidity.
• The plant grows best in well-drained soil and partial shade.
• Harvest mature leaves, avoiding removing all foliage to keep the plant healthy.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I drink espinheira-santa tea every day?
Continuous use without professional supervision is not recommended.

Can pregnant women drink it?
No. Consumption by pregnant or breastfeeding women is contraindicated.

What is the best time to drink it?
Traditionally, it is consumed after meals.

Does it taste bitter?
Yes, the tea has a slightly bitter flavor, typical of this plant’s infusions.

---

✅ Conclusion

Maytenus tea is a traditional drink, highly appreciated for its cultural value and connection with popular wellness practices. When consumed moderately and with the proper precautions, it can be a pleasant addition to your natural tea collection.

👉 Keep exploring Nutritive Blog:

• How to Prepare Natural Teas: Complete Guide
• Bay Leaf Tea: Benefits and How to Prepare
• Avocado Leaf Tea: Benefits and How to Prepare

⚠️ Important Notice: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or nutritional advice.

---

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

---