Yerba Mate and Immunity – How to Support Your Body in Autumn and Winter?

Autumn and winter are times when our immune system works at full throttle. Changeable weather, shorter days, fewer fresh fruits and vegetables – all of this makes the body more prone to infections. In search of natural ways to boost their defences, more and more people are turning to yerba mate – a traditional South American drink that not only energises but also provides a huge dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Read on to find out how yerba mate can support immunity, which ingredients are worth adding to it, and which ready-made Yerbador blends work best during the season of increased illness!

Why can yerba mate support immunity?

Drinking yerba mate is more than a ritual – it’s a way to give your body a solid dose of natural ingredients that support the immune system. Unlike many energy drinks or dietary supplements, yerba mate doesn’t act “artificially” – it genuinely nourishes the body. Its secret lies in a unique combination of caffeine, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Firstly, the high content of polyphenols and saponins acts like a natural protective shield. These compounds reduce free radicals, the unstable molecules responsible for cell damage and weakened immunity. Regular drinking of yerba mate helps keep cells in better condition and slows down the ageing process.

Secondly, B vitamins, vitamin C and E, and minerals such as zinc and iron are key components for the immune system. Vitamin C supports the production of white blood cells responsible for fighting infections, zinc affects the function of T lymphocytes, and iron ensures proper oxygenation of the body.

Thirdly, yerba mate warms the body and stimulates circulation, allowing it to respond to infections faster and recover more easily. This is especially important in autumn and winter, when we’re more exposed to viruses and colds.

What additions can enhance the effect of yerba mate on immunity?

Yerba mate itself is a treasure trove of nutritional value, but you can enrich it even further with ingredients that have been used for centuries against colds and infections:

• Lemon – a source of vitamin C, which strengthens immunity and speeds up the body’s recovery.
• Ginger – has warming, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. It pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter taste of yerba.
• Honey – a natural antibiotic that soothes an irritated throat and boosts energy.
• Cinnamon – has antibacterial properties and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Cloves – powerful antioxidants, traditionally used for respiratory infections.

For those who don’t have time for their own experiments, Yerbador’s ready-made functional blends are a perfect solution, combining the power of holly with the properties of herbal or fruit additions.

Yerbador products that support immunity

Yerbador has prepared several unique options for those who want to boost their immunity while enjoying the taste of perfectly composed blends. Here are the most important ones:

Yerba mate with ginger

Yerba mate with ginger combines the classic strength of yerba with the power of ginger root. Ginger has been valued for centuries as a natural remedy for colds – it warms the body, has anti-inflammatory properties, and soothes upper respiratory infections. Combined with yerba, it creates an infusion perfect for chilly evenings.

Check out the product: Yerba Mate with Ginger

Set of 4 types of Yerba Mate for body health

The Yerbador pack is a great option for those who love variety and want to try different flavour variants. It includes four packs of yerba for the price of three, letting you experiment with different blends every day. The set includes products such as:

• Yerbador Herbal Detox – a blend for those who want not only to boost immunity but also to cleanse the body of toxins and metabolic waste.
• Yerbador Guarana Active – combines the classic power of yerba mate with a natural boost from guarana.
• Yerbador Slim Fit – a composition created for people who care about their figure and a healthy lifestyle. The natural additives it contains support cellular metabolism, aid digestion, and help reduce body fat.
• Yerbador Antigrip Max – has a warming effect, may relieve cold symptoms, and support the body in fighting infections.

Regularly drinking yerba in its various forms gives the immune system a steady dose of natural health-supporting ingredients.

Check out the product: YERBA MATE – NATURE PACK 3 + 1

Immunity-boosting yerba mate

Yerba Mate Immuno is a blend specially crafted to support immunity. Besides the classic dried leaves, it contains ingredients like chokeberry, ginger, turmeric, and quince – plants long used in traditional folk medicine. It’s an excellent choice for those who often struggle with weakened immunity during the autumn-winter season and want to strengthen themselves naturally.

Check out the product: YERBA MATE – IMMUNO

Yerba mate for immunity and scientific research

It has long been known that yerba mate is not only a source of energy but also a wealth of antioxidants and compounds that support immunity. In recent years, more and more studies have confirmed that an infusion of Paraguayan holly can genuinely affect the immune system. 

Yerba mate as an antioxidant shield

One of the most studied aspects of yerba is its ability to neutralize free radicals. It is oxidative stress that weakens immunity and promotes the development of diseases.

Clinical studies in which volunteers took yerba mate extract for 60 days showed an increase in natural antioxidant enzymes in the blood and a decrease in markers of lipid damage (source: Gawron-Gzella Anna et al., Yerba Mate—A Long but Current History).

This means that regularly drinking yerba can help the body “clean up” free radicals and better defend itself against infections.

Yerba mate, the microbiome and gut immunity

Immunity begins in the gut – and here, too, yerba mate may play a role. Researchers have noted that polyphenols from yerba not only have direct anti-inflammatory effects but also influence the gut microbiota.

A 2022 review highlighted that compounds found in yerba mate modulate the composition of gut bacteria, and as a result, may strengthen the intestinal barrier and support immune cells (source: Andreia Candal de Vasconcellos, Jeverson Frazzon, Phenolic Compounds Present in Yerba Mate Potentially Increase Human Health: A Critical Review).

Studies on autoimmune disease models

Yerba mate is not limited to just “everyday support”. In experiments, scientists have studied its effects on serious diseases related to immune system dysfunction.

A 2025 study showed that giving yerba mate to mice with an autoimmune inflammatory disease (a model of multiple sclerosis) reduced inflammation in the brain, improved the function of regulatory Treg cells and limited nerve damage (source: Andrés A. Herrada et al., Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Modulating Regulatory T Cell Function).

This is a very interesting discovery that shows the potential of yerba mate not only in prevention, but also in research into supportive therapies.

Yerba mate and inflammatory bowel diseases

In 2024, a team of Chilean scientists examined how yerba mate affects mice with induced intestinal inflammation (a colitis model). It turned out that yerba mate reduced disease symptoms, improved animal survival and supported anti-inflammatory macrophages (so-called M2) (source: Alexandra Olate-Briones et al., Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Reduces Colitis Severity by Promoting Anti-Inflammatory Macrophage Polarization).

This is further confirmation that yerba mate can work on many levels – from supporting the gut to systemic immune responses.

Does yerba mate boost immunity? An honest answer

Now that you know the research, it’s time for a straightforward statement. Yerba mate and immunity is a topic that’s easy to overstate — so let’s be honest about it. An infusion of holly provides polyphenols, saponins and trace elements, and the research results (including clinical studies in humans) are encouraging. But immunity isn’t just one ingredient. It’s a system that depends primarily on sleep, movement, a varied diet and the ability to cope with stress. Yerba mate can be a strong piece of that puzzle — it’s not a substitute for it.

It’s also worth seeing the difference between types of studies. An increase in antioxidant enzymes after 60 days of drinking the extract was measured in humans. Findings on multiple sclerosis or intestinal inflammation come from animal models — a promising direction for science, not a ready-made recipe. If you have a chronic illness, an autoimmune disease, or take medication regularly, talk to your doctor about drinking yerba mate daily. The infusion is meant to support healthy habits, not compete with treatment.

A daily routine that really works for your immunity

A single matero won’t change anything — consistency is what matters. The good news: the yerba ritual builds a habit on its own, because it’s hard to drink it on the run. Start with the basics: fill about 1/4 of the matero with dried leaves (if you’re just starting out, even 2 tablespoons will do — the infusion will be milder), pour water at 70–80°C and refill multiple times. Boiling water is a mistake — it scalds the leaves and intensifies bitterness. We described the whole process step by step in the yerba mate brewing guide.

The second thing is the time of day. Yerba mate contains caffeine, so it works best in the morning and early afternoon. Skip it in the evening — sleep is the foundation of immunity, and no infusion can make up for its lack. We explain why the time of drinking matters in more detail in the article about yerba mate and sleep. The third thing: hydration. Refills in one matero often add up to over a litre of fluid a day — and a well-hydrated body copes better with the infection season. More on this in the article does yerba mate hydrate.

In autumn, add whatever you have in the kitchen to your matero: fresh ginger cut into slices, a slice of lemon, a pinch of cinnamon. Add honey to the infusion once it has cooled slightly, not while boiling hot — high temperature strips away most of its benefits. And when the cold wave arrives, check out our guide to yerba mate in the autumn-winter season — you’ll find more warming variants there.

What yerba mate won’t do for immunity

We write about this openly, because we’d rather have a customer who comes back than one who feels deceived. Yerba mate won’t cure an infection. If you have a fever, a sore throat and feel completely worn out — you need rest, fluids and, if symptoms persist, a doctor. A warm infusion may improve your wellbeing, as long as you tolerate it well, but it’s comfort support, not therapy.

Yerba mate also won’t make up for five hours of sleep, lack of exercise or a diet made of processed snacks. The antioxidants in the infusion work best when the rest of your habits are on point too. And one more thing: caffeine isn’t for everyone. People who are sensitive, those with blood pressure issues, pregnant women — this is a decision worth consulting a doctor about. As for the age from which the youngest can start drinking yerba mate, you can read about it in a separate article: can children drink yerba mate.

Where the leaves you drink every day come from

Since the infusion is meant to accompany you every day throughout autumn and winter, the purity of the leaves stops being a minor detail. Yerbador is leaf from Brazil, packed in Europe, certified by the Swiss OROTAL Commodities Trading SA along with HACCP and KIWA systems. The dried leaves undergo testing by independent laboratories: the Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants confirms authenticity using chromatography, J.S. Hamilton checks compliance with the reference standard, and GBA Polska tests the leaves for heavy metals, pesticides and PAHs. On top of that there’s the Quality Certificate from the National Medicines Institute. You can download the test reports on the research and certificates page.

We’ll add, less dramatically: with a product you drink every day, what matters isn’t a promise, but consistent, tested leaves in every pack.

Yerba mate at work for the infection season

More and more offices are placing a matero and thermoses with yerba mate next to the coffee machine come autumn — the team gets gentler energy without the crash, and shared refills become a small bonding ritual. If you supply a company, shop or food service venue, check out our yerba mate wholesale or write to us directly:

Frequently asked questions about yerba mate and immunity

Does yerba mate boost immunity?

Yerba mate provides polyphenols, saponins, and vitamins and minerals important for the immune system, and clinical studies show an increase in antioxidant potential with regular drinking. That’s real support for everyday habits — but not a medicine or a shield guaranteeing an infection-free season.

Should you drink yerba mate when you have a cold?

If you tolerate the infusion well, warm yerba mate with ginger and lemon can improve comfort and help with hydration. In case of fever, strong symptoms, or if you’re taking medication — rest and a doctor’s consultation come first, not another matero.

Which yerba mate works best in autumn and winter?

The most popular choices are the functional blends described above: Immuno with chokeberry, ginger, turmeric and quince, and yerba with ginger. You’ll find the full seasonal range in the immunity category.

From what age can you drink yerba mate?

Because of its caffeine content, yerba mate is not a drink for young children. We cover this topic in detail in the article from what age yerba mate.

Summary

Yerba Mate is a drink that combines the tradition of South America with a modern approach to health. Thanks to its high content of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, it can support the immune system, protect cells from oxidative stress and help the body fight infections.

Scientific research shows that regularly drinking yerba mate supports not only everyday energy but also natural defense mechanisms. In autumn and winter, it’s worth reaching for special blends from Yerbador that additionally strengthen immunity. By choosing Yerbador products, you can be sure you’re getting proven leaves that not only taste great but also genuinely support your health.

Bibliography

• Gawron-Gzella Anna, Chanaj-Kaczmarek Justyna, Cielecka-Piontek Judyta, Yerba Mate—A Long but Current History, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8622869/, accessed: 18.09.2025
• Andreia Candal de Vasconcellos, Jeverson Frazzon, Phenolic Compounds Present in Yerba Mate Potentially Increase Human Health: A Critical Review, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11130-022-01008-8, accessed: 18.09.2025
• Andrés A. Herrada et al., Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Modulating Regulatory T Cell Function), https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/5/897, accessed: 18.09.2025
• Alexandra Olate-Briones et al., Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Reduces Colitis Severity by Promoting Anti-Inflammatory Macrophage Polarization, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/11/1616, accessed: 18.09.2025