Cinnamon Myrtle and Guayusa | The Harmony of Two Ancient Cultures | Ayusa
Cinnamon Myrtle and Guayusa Blend
The Harmony of Two Ancient Cultures
Understanding ancient culture is a vital part of living an examined life. It helps us to better understand the world around us.
Where do we come from?
Why are we here?
What does our future look like?
By blending Cinnamon Myrtle with Guayusa to create a nourishing tea, we’re acknowledging two ancient cultures: Indigenous Australians and the Kichwa people of Ecuador. Guayusa and Cinnamon Myrtle have traditionally been used in medicine, cooking and daily rituals, and both are celebrated for their extraordinary health benefits.
At Ayusa, we’re here to share Cinnamon Myrtle and Guayusa with you through a nourishing cup of tea. Helping you to sip, enjoy and embrace ancient tradition.
The Importance of Guayusa to the Kichwa People
Guayusa (pronounced why-you-sah) is a herb from a variety of Holly tree (Ilex Guayusa) in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Historical records suggest that Guayusa has been used and traded in the Amazon since 500 C.E. And still today, Guayusa is a way of life for Kichwa tribes. It acts as a source of income, nourishment, connection and energy.
Every morning, the Kichwa people gather before the sun rises. They sit around a large caldron of Guayusa tea. While drinking Guayusa, they weave fishing nets, shape hunting tools, listen to music and share stories. It’s also common practice for adults to have their dreams interpreted by an elder in the tribe. These interpretations often guide their actions for the day – people are given advice and observations based upon their dream.
The Kichwa people believe that Guayusa gives them energy and focus for the day ahead. Guayusa is also used to cleanse the body, boost immunity, calm body aches, prevent disease, aid digestion, cleanse the mouth, increase fertility and libido and avoid snake and insect bites.
Guayusa can also be used as a decoration or ornament, with Kichwa people wearing the leaves as necklaces and headbands during a celebration.
As you can see, the Guayusa health benefits are plentiful. So it is easy to see how this superleaf became an integral part of their culture.
The Importance of Cinnamon Myrtle to Indigenous Australians
Cinnamon Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) is found in subtropical rainforests in Eastern Australia. It’s a native hardwood with leaves that give off a cinnamon-like aroma when crushed or rubbed.
Indigenous people use Cinnamon Myrtle for various culinary and medicinal purposes. The leaves would be steeped in hot water to make a delicious, nourishing tea.
Cinnamon Myrtle was also used to treat heartburn, indigestion and other digestive issues. They also use it to treat colic, the intense crying and distress in an otherwise healthy infant. But beyond its medicinal value, the wood from Cinnamon Myrtle is incredibly strong and is used to create various hunting tools.
Today, Cinnamon Myrtle is celebrated by both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians for its wonderful, earthly flavour. It’s often used in curries, stews, herbal teas, biscuits and slices – adding subtle notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper.
Guayusa with Cinnamon Myrtle – Acknowledging Two Ancient Cultures
At Ayusa Tea, we’ve created a nourishing fusion of Guayusa and Cinnamon Myrtle. The first of its kind, we invite you to take a moment to honour these two traditional cultures. It’s a delicious, smooth and energising drink to soothe the body and mind.
