Overkill53 · CC BY-SA 4.0Pohã ñana (remedios yuyos)
pohã ñana («hierba medicinal»)
Fresh medicinal herbs crushed in a mortar and added to tereré or mate.
What it is
In the markets, yuyeras (herb sellers) offer fresh bunches of menta'i, burrito, lemon verbena, ka'a he'ẽ and dozens of other herbs, crushing them on the spot in a wooden mortar according to what each customer is after: cooling off, easing digestion or beating the heat. They are then added to the water for tereré or mate. It is a folk pharmacy and a body of knowledge passed down through generations.
Ingredients
History
The use of medicinal plants is a Guaraní legacy enriched during colonial times. In 2020 UNESCO recognized tereré “in the culture of pohã ñana,” and since 2015 National Pohã Ñana Day has been celebrated on August 1, the same day as carrulim.
Did you know…?
Some herbs have contraindications, for example during pregnancy or with certain medications: ask before trying a new blend.
When
Year-round; in highest demand in summer.
Where
The yuyera stalls at Mercado 4 (Asunción) and markets across the interior.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.