Stevia

Identity

Common Name

Stevia

Scientific Name

Stevia rebaudiana

Botanical Family

Asteraceae

Native Region

South America (Paraguay, Brazil)

Cultivation Regions

South America, Asia, tropics

Plant Parts Used

Leaves

Synonyms

Sweet Leaf, Sugar Leaf, Caa-Ehe

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

A tender perennial with small opposite lanceolate green serrated leaves and loose clusters of tiny white tubular flowers; the leaves are used.

Historical Background

Stevia has been a Guarani (South American) sweet leaf for centuries, used to sweeten mate and other drinks long before modern stevia sweeteners. Its leaves brew a clean, naturally sweet, caffeine-free cup and double as a zero-calorie sweetener for other herbal teas.

Earliest recorded uses: Guarani traditions for centuries; a sweet leaf used to sweeten teas and drinks.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Sweet, clean, slightly green, licorice-like

Tea Information

Research Summary

Stevia has a tradition as a sweet, blood-sugar-friendly leaf and tea; steviol glycosides are approved sweeteners with modest glucose-modulating data. Clinical evidence for tea is limited; it is not a treatment for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or any disease, though it remains a gentle, naturally sweet, caffeine-free cup.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources