Mate

Spanish speakers (or at least Latin Americans) use the word “Mate” to refer to what I think of herbal tea.  I asked Marita what the difference is, and she said that “mate is an infusion of medicinal herbs” and “tea is just tea.”

So I missed the medicinal part, oops.

Well I know of four different mates that are fairly common around here:

Coca

Coca – yes, the same plant that cocaine comes from.  When drank in a tea, it settles the stomach, calms the nerves, soothes certain kinds of headaches, and helps with altitude sickness.  I’ve had some today!

Manzanilla

Manzanilla – is the Spanish word for camomile.  I have never really liked it that much, but it does all sorts of things, right?  For tummyaches?  I dunno.

Cedron

Cedron – is the Spanish word for something called “Lemon Verbena.”  Supposedly it helps you sleep, and Marita has insisted on making me some before my bus ride.  Apparently Wiccans use it in their magic potions…

Anise

Trimate – is a mixture of coca, manzanilla, and anise.  Three-mate.  Anise (anis) tastes like licorice and is supposed to be good for digestion and cramps.