This national beverage with caffeine originally comes from Paraguay, southern Brazil and Argentina. The tea comes from the green leaves of a type of holly that is said to have manifold beneficial effects. Therefore, in South America, Mate tea is also called "Beverage of the Gods" or the "Green Gold of the Indios". Drinking Mate out of one cup was a ritual and sometimes had the function of a peace pipe with the natives. Mostly enjoyed outside at the campfire, it became the national drink in almost every country in the continent over the years. The caffeine is bound to tannic substances and is set free in the body very mildly. Hence, its stimulating effects last longer than that of coffee. A short infusion time brings about a stimulating effect, a longer one weakens it.