A Leaf with a
Thousand Year Story
Single-origin guayusa, sourced from 60 indigenous Kichwa families in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Clean energy, no crash — and a story worth knowing.
2,000 Years in the Amazon
Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is a caffeinated holly tree native to the upper Amazon basin — one of only three caffeinated holly species in the world.
Dried guayusa leaves have been found in Bolivian shamans' tombs dating back 1,500 years — far outside its natural growing region, suggesting it was a highly valued trade plant.
Kichwa families would gather before dawn — sometimes at 3am — to brew guayusa together around a fire. Known as wayus, this was a ritual of storytelling, dream sharing, and community.
Hunters drank large amounts before entering the forest — its sustained, jitter-free energy kept them sharp for hours. Shamans used it for heightened awareness and vivid dreaming.
60 Families.
One Forest.
60 indigenous Kichwa families in Napo Province, Ecuador — each tending their own section of natural forest garden alongside native plants, trees, and wildlife.
These are not monocrop plantations. Guayusa grows within diverse natural arrangements that preserve the Amazon's ecosystem rather than replacing it.
Leaves are only picked when there is an order. Between orders, plants grow undisturbed and shed leaves naturally. Nothing is harvested speculatively.
When an order arrives, our supplier visits each of the 60 families in person and divides the weight equally among them — ensuring fair income across the whole community, not just the closest or most productive growers.
The Process
Nothing moves until there's an order. Our supplier is notified and begins visiting each of the 60 families to distribute the required weight equally.
Each family hand-picks their share of mature leaves from the forest garden. All leaves are delivered to the processing house the same day they are picked.
Leaves are spread in a greenhouse and turned regularly until they reach 15% moisture content — stabilising the leaf and concentrating its natural compounds.
A final oven stage brings moisture down to 7% — making the leaf shelf-stable and locking in its flavour and active compounds.
Dried leaves are chopped to the exact mesh size for our tea bags, then packed and shipped directly to the UK for bagging and fulfilment.
What's Inside
Similar to an espresso, but absorbed gradually — sustained energy without the spike or crash.
Promotes calm alertness. Works with caffeine to reduce anxiety and sharpen focus without the edge.
Also found in cacao — a gentle, long-lasting stimulant that improves mood and sustains energy over time.
Among the highest antioxidant levels of any brewed leaf — supporting long-term cellular health with every cup.
Single-Origin.
Nothing Added.
Napo Province, Ecuador only. Fully traceable from leaf to bag.
Pure guayusa. No blends, flavourings, or additives.
Grown within natural forest gardens. No monocultures, no clearing.
Every order split equally among all 60 Kichwa families.
Ready to Brew?
25 or 40 bags, one-time or subscribe. Free UK delivery on orders over £30.
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