Yerba Mate

This book explores the traditional use of Ilex paraguariensis, a plant that is widely distributed in South America. Thanks to its purported properties, it has been used for centuries in the form of teas with a variety of names, including: ‘yerba mate’ (Argentina), ‘chimarrão’ (Brazil), and others.

This book explores the traditional use of Ilex paraguariensis, a plant that is widely distributed in South America. Thanks to its purported properties, it has been used for centuries in the form of teas with a variety of names, including: ‘yerba mate’ (Argentina), ‘chimarrão’ (Brazil), and others.

This book applies an approach to study the externalization of cost under capitalism in the production of Argentine yerba mate, an infusion with stimulant properties long used by indigenous peoples. Consumption in today’s globalized economy makes it difficult to understand the consequences of our actions across the globe.