guayusa

[ gwahy-yoo-suh, wahy- ]

noun

a tree, Ilex guayusa, native to the rainforest in the upper Amazon river basin.
the leaves of this tree, containing caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and other compounds, prepared as a tea and used as a stimulant.

Origin of guayusa

First recorded in 1850–55; from Spanish, likely from a Jívaro language

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

“My ancestors are guayusa,” posits Frederico, with a more mystical approach to the genesis theory.
Bye Bye Latté, Hello Guayusa: Why The Amazon Holds the Secret to a Cleaner, Healthier Caffeine | Brandon Presser | August 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Every morning Frederico takes the dried leaves of the precious guayusa tree and steeps them in a large dark pot.
Bye Bye Latté, Hello Guayusa: Why The Amazon Holds the Secret to a Cleaner, Healthier Caffeine | Brandon Presser | August 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
They boil the leaves of the guayusa tree in the gurgling centerpiece, and gently sip its tea-like drink.
Bye Bye Latté, Hello Guayusa: Why The Amazon Holds the Secret to a Cleaner, Healthier Caffeine | Brandon Presser | August 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Whether or not guayusa is a product of selective breeding, the Kichwa have learned to harness its power.
Bye Bye Latté, Hello Guayusa: Why The Amazon Holds the Secret to a Cleaner, Healthier Caffeine | Brandon Presser | August 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Grown in the jungle by the indigenous Kichwa, guayusa (gwhy-you-sa) is a sacred leaf used in ceremonial rituals.
Bye Bye Latté, Hello Guayusa: Why The Amazon Holds the Secret to a Cleaner, Healthier Caffeine | Brandon Presser | August 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

guayusa, or "Napo tea," is another and celebrated production of Archidona.
The Andes and the Amazon | James Orton
They offered us, on entering their huts, cups of the guayusa tea.
On the Banks of the Amazon | W.H.G. Kingston

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