Origins

In an ancient tradition, Amazonian families gather at dawn to drink guayusa (gwhy-you-sah) from gourds around a communal fire. They come together during these early morning hours to share dreams, music, and myths. Indigenous farmers say this tradition is essential to what makes them “Runa” — fully living human beings.

Every harvest, local farmers hand-pick guayusa leaves from the rich soil under the canopy of the Amazon rainforest. In comparison to other teas, guayusa differentiates itself by its sourcing. Guayusa is exclusively grown and harvested by indigenous farming families on their ancestral lands, whereas almost all teas (from the camelia sinensis plant), including Fair Trade certified teas, are produced on plantations.

Runa promotes the rich cultural heritage of the Amazon rainforest and its native inhabitants through guayusa. Learn more about guayusa as a vibrant part of the world culture heritage of tea drinking.