Yaupon, scientifically known as Ilex vomitoria, is North America's sole native caffeinated plant and has a rich history of use by Indigenous populations. This evergreen holly can reach heights of 10 meters and predominantly grows in the southern United States. A common misconception among European settlers was that Yaupon caused vomiting, observed during certain ceremonies. In reality, Indigenous people likely used it as a laxative. Following the Boston Tea Party, Americans sought alternatives like Yaupon due to high tea imports, a trend that is resurfacing as tariffs affect both tea and coffee prices in the U.S.
Yaupon, Ilex vomitoria, is North America's only native caffeinated plant, long used by Indigenous people before colonization and often mistaken for inducing vomiting.
European settlers observed that Yaupon consumption sometimes led to vomiting during ceremonies, leading to misconceptions about its effects, whereas it was more likely used as a laxative.
After the Boston Tea Party, where colonists protested the Tea Act, Americans initially turned to alternatives like Yaupon as a homegrown substitute for tea.
Today, the U.S. imports vast amounts of tea, and with tariffs impacting both tea and coffee, there is a renewed interest in Yaupon.
Collection
[
|
...
]