Runa Guayusa

We are pleased to introduce our customers to the Ecuadorian herb, Guayusa (whyYOU-sah). For thousands of years communities throughout the Amazon have cultivated the guayusa leaf for a natural, delicious source of energy and nutrition. A truly balanced stimulant, guayusa contains caffeine, antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids to awaken the mind and fortify the body.

Guayusa contains 50% more antioxidants than green tea. With a combined effect of sustained energy, what the indigenous Kichwa people call “mental strength and courage”, guayusa continues to be the center of morning rituals throughout the Amazon. Guayusa’s unique blend of caffeine, theobromine, and theophyline is what facilitates a whole-body feeling of awareness and presence. Every harvest, local farmers hand-pick guayusa leaves from the rich soil under the canopy of the Amazon rainforest. Available from Runa in pyramid teabags, each great tasting flavor is 100% organic, naturally smooth and balanced. With Runa’s focus on fair trade pricing and Amazon reforestation projects, you can feel good about rejuvenating with these unique herbal tea selections.

Cupping guayusa is a discovery of rich flavor and cultural tradition. Pour boiling water over the pyramid tea bag and steep for 4-7 minutes, or longer for a darker brew. Sip slowly and enjoy as you awaken your mind and fortify your body with Runa.

New! Guayusa Original Known for its stimulating effects, the original Guayusa is smooth and rich, with a hint of sweetness.

15 ct. teabags $9.95

New! Amazon Spice This signature blend combines rich, invigorating Guayusa with fullbodied cinnamon and a sweet aromatic lemongrass in a traditional Amazonian blend.

15 ct. teabags $9.95

New! Rainforest Mint A refreshing mint unites the smooth taste and energizing power of Guayusa with a crisp and rejuvenating organic peppermint.15 ct. teabags $9.95

New! Tropical Ginger Citrus The addition of orange peel and ginger to the invigorating Guayusa gives this blend a zesty finish.

15 ct. teabags $9.95

How to Brew a Pot of Tea

Here are a few steadfast guidelines to follow in order to achieve the perfect cup:

Fill a kettle with freshly drawn cold water. We recommend using filtered water because the quality of your water will directly affect the taste of your tea. Many towns have water that has too much chlorine and other minerals. When the water is near the boiling point, pour a little into the teapot, swirl around, and tip away. This leaves a hot, clean teapot.

Measure the tea carefully into your teapot, allowing one rounded teaspoon or one tea bag for each cup required. Many people prefer to use a tea ball or filter to keep the leaves from spreading throughout the teapot. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Do not allow it to boil too long, as it will boil away some of the flavor-releasing oxygen and result in a flat cup of tea. Please note that green and white tea should be made with water that has boiled and allowed to cool for just under a minute.

Pour the water onto the leaves or tea bags. This saturates the tea allowing the flavor to release naturally. Do not pour the water and then add the tea, this will only result in a poor cup of tea. The differing types of tea should be allowed to infuse for the required number of minutes at the appropriate water temperatures listed below:

Pu-erh Tea Steep for 2-5 minutes in 200-212° F (93-100° C) water

Black Tea Steep for 4-5 minutes in 190-200° F (88-93° C) water

Flavored Black TeaSteep for 4-5 minutes in 190-200° F (88-93° C) water

Darjeeling TeaSteep for 3 minutes in 180-200° F (82-93° C) water

Oolong TeaSteep for 3-4 minutes in 180-200° F (82-93° C) water

Green Tea Steep for 2-3 minutes in 170-180° F (77-82° C) water

White Tea Steep for 1½-2 minutes in 160-170° F (71-77° C) water

Herbal TisanesSteep for 5 minutes in 190-200° F (88-93° C) water

Fruit Tisane BlendsSteep for 5-7 minutes in 190-200° F (88-93° C) water

If you prefer your tea stronger or weaker, never vary the brewing time; simply increase or decrease the amount of tea. If allowed to sit in the teapot, the tea can over-brew and turn bitter. Some green, oolong and white teas are good for multiple infusions –just add new hot water to the pot and increase the steeping time slightly. Repeat until the flavor starts to fade.

The Healthy Benefits of Tea

You have probably known all along that tea is good for you, but you may be surprised to learn that there is a growing body of scientific evidence to support your feelings. While these findings are simply correlations and are not yet considered scientific fact, they do provide a wealth of information to support the healthy aspects of tea. According to Wikipedia, the potential effects of tea on health have been touted for infusions made from the plant Camellia sinensis for more than 4700 years. A wide range of potential benefits include: Properties which combat various types of cancer, reduction in likelihood of stroke, increases in metabolic rates, possible anti-diabetes effects, significant stress level reductions, boosts in immune system functions, decreases in chances of cognitive impairment, complementary effects on the inhibition of HIV virus binding, positive effects on bacterial and fungal infections, and much more. Visit our website and click on the “Healthy Benefits of Tea” button for links to the latest reports and studies.