Organic Guayusa Loose Leaf Tea by RUNA, 1 Pound (16oz) | Packed with Natural Caffeine for Clean Energy | Alternative to Yerba Mate, Coffee, and Green Tea

I used to drink coffee every day from a french press, then I switched to sencha green tea from Japan and really enjoyed it, but a little over three years ago, I discovered this Runa Guayusa. When I first started drinking it, I thought it had an unusual flavor that I wasn't sure I would get into, but within a week it really grew on me and now I love the taste.I use way more than the package suggests -- four tablespoons in my 20oz cup and I let it brew for about 20-30 minutes because I like a robust taste. So I've been ordering a bag about every other month since 2016 and the quality is really good. If I likened it to green tea, it's like the sencha equivalent in quality versus the store-bought green tea in bags.When I open the bag there are deep green flakes inside. Runa was unavailable this last winter and so I tried a different popular brand, and the quality wasn't as good. The other brand was more finely cut, didn't have the aroma that Runa has, and didn't feel the same.I used to get jittery from coffee sometimes, but I had kind of enjoyed that affect at the time. Green tea didn't make me as jittery and helped me feel alert. Guayusa is quite different. I've never gotten jittery from it and every single day for about 40-60 minutes after it kicks in, I get a feeling of bliss that comes over me like everything is right with the world. I've looked all over the internet to see if anyone else has experienced this, but I haven't seen anything. I wonder if it's because people don't tend to use as much as I do.It was when I was doing this research that I saw these more recent negative reviews on here about Runa like about how it's moldy or not as good as it used to be. This is not my experience at all. Like I said, I've been ordering these bags consistently over the past several years, and I just opened up a fresh bag today and poured it into the one I just finished so that I could inspect to see if there was any mold or degradation in quality from my last order. I'm happy to say that it's the same high quality as always, and I'm enjoying a cup right now.Like others have said, it's a good, clean energy. My heart doesn't race and I have relaxed awareness and alertness. There is no crash and I have no idea how long it lasts because I've never felt it wearing off. I have a detail oriented job where I have to be on-the-ball, and I really think this has helped. Like green tea, it must have l-theanine in it which is what takes the jitters away from the caffeine while bringing alertness and sharpness of mind (research supplements if you're interested-- they work).When Runa was unavailable this past winter, it really made me realize how much my life has improved since drinking it and how much I would miss it. That may sound a little over the top, but I sincerely love this product.

I had the extreme pleasure of going to the Ecuadorian Amazon a few years ago. During that time, I stayed in small village named Mariposa outside of Archidona in the province of Napo. I lived with wonderful healers who everyday drank Guayusa. At the time, I had never heard of it. But it became part of our morning ritual. I found that it took my hunger pangs away and gave me alot of energy. The healer I was with was over 80 years old and had tons of energy - more than me at the age of 21.The indigenous people used guayusa to treat body aches and as a mouthwash. I was told it kept their teeth clean. I can attest that during my time in the Amazon, I ate less than usual but had more energy.I was able to bring a small amount of the tea back with me but quickly ran out and was not able to find it anywhere else until last year.I was so extremely thrilled to find it for sale on Amazon. This price cannot be beat! It comes so fresh and pure.Upon reading up on the company how surprised was I to find that Runa, works in Archidona with members of the community that I was able to meet. They work with some members of the family that I lived with as well.How small a world it is.One tip- this tea does not produce any tannins (which create bitterness in other teas when boiled too long) so you can leave it in boiling water for a long time without degradation in flavor - its another way to extract all the goodness in the teas.On to my actual review of this product- I drink it almost everyday. I add a little agave to sweeten it for me. It has replaced any kind of energy drink or coffee for me. I am focused, awake and aware. I love this tea.I actually get to reuse the tea material 2 -3 times before it gets too clear and I have to use a new batch.If you need a pick-me-up, try this out. I don't think you will be disappointed.