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View CartYerba mate and kratom are two plant-based energy boosters, and many people consider them to be great alternatives to coffee. But if you were to have to choose between kratom and yerba mate, which would be the better option? A lot of things should be considered in order to determine which one is better for you.
The first thing to do in this Yerba Mate and Kratom comparison article is to understand what both botanicals are by knowing their constituents, effects, and benefits. Thereafter, we can draw an inference on which one to choose between kratom and Yerba mate.
Yerba Mate: Effect, Benefits, and Usage
Yerba mate is a herbal tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. This plant is native to South America, particularly Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Natives of all ages drink Yerba mate and consider it a communal ritual following customary rules. Today, yerba mate has become popular in the U.S. and all over the world.
Yerba mate contains polyphenols and xanthines. The commonest polyphenols are flavonoids, rutin, and quercetin, while the three xanthines are caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine.
Just like coffee, the caffeine content in yerba mate is a testament to its energizing effects. However, most users find the energy from Yerba to be stronger and more sustained. Theobromine is also an alkaloid that helps to improve mood in the form of greater relaxation and can also temporarily enhance cognitive function.
Summing up these characteristics, it is no wonder many people are using this product as a natural, balanced energy source.
Talking of the flavor of yerba mate, a brewed mate resembles an infusion of herbs, grass, and vegetables and is a reminder of some green teas. However, the taste can be bitter if you are steeping it in hot water. You will usually find yerba mate in tea bags and in a loose-leaf form, and you can make it with hot water (about 70 ℃) or cold water.
A Quick Look into Kratom
You should already know about kratom and its effects, but for the sake of comparing it with yerba mate, let’s take a look at what kratom is.
Kratom is native to Southeast Asia and has two active alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds are responsible for the effects of kratom. You can take kratom in different forms, such as powder, capsules, tablets, and loose leaves.
The effects you get from kratom can really vary because it is dose-dependent. At a lower dose, it enhances mood, energy, and focus, while at a higher dose, you can expect it to be effective for relaxation and easing physical tension.
The taste of kratom is bitter when taken as powder, but it can be mixed with other beverages like lemon juice to enhance its taste and effectiveness.
Yerba Mate Vs. Kratom: Comparison of Effects in Terms of Mood, Energy, and Habit Formation
Kratom, yerba mate, and coffee are all known to offer energy boosts in a distinct way. However, apart from energy, there are other sides of yerba mate and kratom you need to know. The table representation below should do justice to a clear distinction between kratom and yerba mate:
| Yerba Mate | Kratom | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Yerba mate has a unique blend of caffeine and other compounds like theobromine. Because of this, it provides a smooth, sustained, and stronger energy without the jitters commonly associated with coffee. | Kratom is a versatile herb with different effects depending on your dosage. At low doses, it can stimulate energy levels, but at higher doses, the effects shift to promoting calmness. |
| Mood | Yerba mate is known for providing mild boosts in well-being that helps to improve social interactions. | The well-being enhancing effect from kratom is way stronger than that of yerba mate. But you have to know your right dosage as kratom’s effects can quickly shift to calmness. |
| Dependency | Since yerba mate contains caffeine, it can lead to mild tolerance and potential dependency, though not as severe as coffee. | Because of the interaction between kratom and mu receptors in the brain, it poses a higher risk of habit formation. This can lead to more significant tolerance and withdrawal challenges compared to yerba mate and coffee. |
| Legality | Yerba mate is legal in the United States and most countries in the world. | The legal status of kratom can be unregulated, regulated, or banned. Currently, kratom is banned in 6 states, and some states have regulations on its use. |
| Onset | Effects are typically felt within 20-30 minutes after consumption. | Effects can be felt within 15-30 minutes, depending on the form and dosage. |
Mixing Yerba Mate and Kratom Together: Is It Worth It?
Combining kratom and caffeine may provide enhanced energy and focus. However, it can also pose some risks, such as increased heart rate, anxiety, or overstimulation.
It’s been a mixed reaction for kratom users. In a thread on Reddit, a user said mixing yerba mate and kratom helped to improve mood, but the advice he gave is to take them in low doses and take proper breaks of up to a week from both of them. Others recommend taking them separately, as each has the capacity to keep you energized.
While there may be some benefits for taking kratom and yerba mate together, it is not something we recommend because there’s no scientific research about combining the pair. If you must try it, always start with a very low dose, or better yet, consult a healthcare professional before mixing them.
Yerba Mate Vs. Kratom: Dosage, Safety, and Side Effects
Generally, kratom and yerba mate are two natural plants that are safe as long as you take them in their purest forms and stick to dosage guidelines. However, in cases of misuse, the side effects from kratom are more severe than those of yerba mate.
Dosage Guidelines for Yerba Mate
- Moderate Dose: 1-2 cups (about 200-500 mg of caffeine) per day
- High Dose: More than 3 cups (over 500 mg of caffeine). This may increase the side effects, like restlessness or lack of sleep.
Dosage Guidelines for Kratom
- Low Dose: 1-3 grams for boosting energy, mood, and focus.
- Moderate Dose: 3-5 grams for a balance of stimulation and relaxation.
- High Dose: Above 5 grams for relaxation, calmness, and ease of physical tension.
Kratom side effects can vary for users, but the major cause of side effects is using too much. Some of kratom’s side effects include constipation, restlessness, nausea, headaches and increased heart rate.
Note: Whether you are taking kratom or yerba mate, always start with a lower dose and adjust according to personal tolerance. This assessment can help you reduce potential side effects. Also, don’t forget to stay hydrated when taking either of these botanicals.
Which One Should I Go For Between Yerba Mate and Kratom?
If you are looking for an alternative to kratom in terms of an energy boost, yerba mate can be a very good one. The taste of yerba mate is smoother, the energy is more stable, and the risk of dependency is lesser. However, if you want a herbal product for relaxation and easing physical tension, yerba mate is not comparable to kratom. The risk of dependency and other more serious side effects (especially when mixing with medications) is also higher for kratom.
So choosing which one is better will depend on your goals: for focus and social interaction, yerba mate is great, while for relaxation and ease of physical tension, kratom is superior.
