Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is a caffeinated plant native to the Amazon rainforest, particularly used by indigenous peoples of Ecuador. Traditionally, guayusa is consumed as a tea for its stimulating effects, primarily due to its caffeine content, along with theobromine and other compounds. While guayusa is valued for enhancing alertness and endurance, there is no strong tradition or evidence specifically linking it to support of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for "rest and digest" functions and is generally associated with calming and restorative physiological processes.

In fact, given its caffeine content, guayusa may potentially stimulate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)—the "fight or flight" counterpart to the PNS—rather than supporting parasympathetic activity. Caffeine is well-documented to increase alertness and arousal, which is opposite to the effects typically associated with parasympathetic activation. While anecdotal accounts and some traditional practices suggest guayusa may be consumed for ritual or social relaxation, there is no robust historical or scientific evidence indicating that it specifically supports or enhances parasympathetic nervous system function. Therefore, the use of guayusa for this body system is based more on indirect tradition than on scientific validation or targeted traditional use.

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