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Basket of Guayusa, Ecuador. Photo by: Chris Kilham © 2010

Basket of Guayusa

Historically the Jivaro would rise early, make a fire, boil a pot of guayusa leaves, drink the tea and tell stories. This practice helped to reinforce kinship and community, giving people an opportunity to come together and share stories. Among the Jivaro, guayusa is known as “night Watchman,” because it helps to keep you awake.