cultivar413 · CC BY 2.0Pohã ñana: the herbs of tereré
Varias especies (p. ej., Mentha, Aloysia, Allophylus edulis, Kyllinga) · pohã ñana
Medicinal herbs crushed in a mortar and added to the tereré jug: a UNESCO-recognized heritage.
What it is
Pohã means “remedy,” and pohã ñana are the medicinal herbs that are crushed in a mortar and added to the ice-cold water of tereré, Paraguay's iced yerba mate: menta'i, cedrón (lemon verbena), burrito, koku, kapi'i katĩ, santa lucía or perdudilla, each with traditional uses, refreshing or digestive. They're sold by yuyeras (herb sellers) at markets and on street corners. In December 2020, UNESCO inscribed the “Practices and traditional knowledge of Terere in the culture of Pohã Ñana” on its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Did you know…?
National Tereré Day falls on the last Saturday of February, as set by Law 4261 of 2011. Bella Vista (Itapúa) celebrates with fairs and music.
Season
All year round, but tereré with pohã ñana is the hot-weather ritual, from September to April.
Where
Yuyera stalls at Mercado 4 in Asunción and in markets and on street corners across the country.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.