Yerba mate
One of the herbal teas highly appreciated by science for increasing alertness and reducing fatigue is yerba mate - a traditional South American drink made from Ilex paraguariensis leaves.
According to studies, yerba mate contains natural caffeine and many antioxidants such as polyphenols and chlorogenic acid, which help stimulate the central nervous system in a balanced way and contribute to reducing fatigue, increasing energy levels and concentration in a short time.
Caffeine in yerba mate works by inhibiting adenosine - a substance that makes us feel sleepy. From there, it helps us stay awake without causing "hand tremors" or intense suspense like some other caffeinated drinks.
At the same time, the amount of polyphenols and vitamins in yerba mate can contribute to reducing oxidative stress, a factor related to chronic fatigue.
Yaupon tea
In addition to yerba mate, another notable herbal tea is yaupon tea - tea extracted from the plant Ilex vomitoria, which contains caffeine and xanthine such as thebromine and theophylline.
These compounds lightly stimulate the nervous system, helping you not fall into a sleepy state while still maintaining a stable alertness at work or study.
Green tea
Green tea, although not completely "herbal" - contains caffeine along with L-theanine, an amino acid studied for its concentration-supporting effect without causing fatigue like simple caffeine.
L-theanine helps reduce stress responses and soothe the nervous system, which can help reduce feelings of fatigue while improving mental concentration.
Although clinical evidence of L-theanine is limited and not strong enough, many scientific reports recognize it as an important factor in the "alert and gentle" effect of green tea.
Many natural teas contain biologically active compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids and alkaloids, which can affect the activity of nerve cells and the immune system. From there, reduce fatigue, fight oxidation and support cognitive function.
However, it should be emphasized that there is no miracle tea in treating fatigue, but the effect comes from the combination of drinking water, getting enough sleep, and healthy living habits.