Taos Tea: Altitude Lies Crashing Baby Biome?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

December 30, 2025

The air in Taos, New Mexico, isn’t just thin; it’s different. It carries a certain energy, a quiet hum that seems to resonate with the ancient mountains. And for those who call Taos home, or even just visit, that energy often finds its way into a cup of Taos Tea – yerba mate brewed at altitude. But is this high-altitude brew just a local tradition, or does it offer unique health benefits, particularly for the gut? Let’s dive deep into the science, the folklore, and the practicalities of Taos Tea.

Yerba mate, Ilex paraguariensis, is a South American holly known for its stimulating properties. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. But the unique environment of Taos, nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, might alter the tea’s composition and effects.

The first question is: does brewing at high altitude affect the probiotic content of yerba mate? The answer is complex. Yerba mate itself doesn’t inherently contain probiotics in the same way that yogurt or kefir does. However, the brewing process can influence the growth of beneficial bacteria.

At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature. This means that brewing Taos Tea involves a slightly different extraction process compared to brewing at sea level. Lower boiling points might preserve certain heat-sensitive compounds in the yerba mate, potentially including prebiotics – substances that feed beneficial gut bacteria.

However, it’s crucial to understand that boiling water, even at a lower temperature, will kill most bacteria. The key to potentially enhancing probiotic activity lies in the fermentation process, if any, applied to the yerba mate leaves before brewing. Some small-scale Taos producers might employ traditional fermentation methods that could introduce beneficial bacteria.

Consider this scenario: a local Taos farmer cultivates yerba mate and uses a wild fermentation process, similar to making sourdough bread, before drying the leaves. This process could introduce Lactobacilli and other beneficial bacteria. Brewing these leaves at the lower boiling point in Taos might then preserve some of these bacteria, allowing them to survive in the final brew.

But this is highly dependent on the specific practices of the producer. Most commercially available yerba mate undergoes a drying process that eliminates any potential probiotic content. Therefore, the “probiotic” benefit of Taos Tea is more likely related to prebiotic compounds and the potential for supporting existing gut flora.

Now, let’s address altitude sickness and its impact on gut flora absorption. Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when the body struggles to adapt to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Symptoms can include nausea, headache, and fatigue.

AMS can disrupt the gut microbiome. Studies have shown that hypoxia (low oxygen) can alter the composition and function of gut bacteria. This disruption can lead to inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption.

Therefore, if you’re experiencing altitude sickness in Taos, your gut’s ability to absorb the beneficial compounds from Taos Tea might be compromised. The inflammation caused by AMS can damage the intestinal lining, reducing its efficiency in absorbing nutrients.

To mitigate this, it’s crucial to acclimatize to the altitude gradually. Spend a few days in Santa Fe (around 7,000 feet) before heading to Taos (around 7,000 feet in the town itself, but much higher in the surrounding mountains). Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and eat light, easily digestible meals.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to brewing Taos Tea to maximize potential benefits and minimize downsides:

1. Source high-quality yerba mate: Look for organic, sustainably sourced yerba mate. If possible, inquire about the producer’s fermentation practices. Local Taos producers might offer unique, traditionally processed options.
2. Use filtered water: Taos water is generally good, but using filtered water ensures purity and removes any potential contaminants.
3. Heat water to the correct temperature: Aim for around 160-175°F (71-79°C). This is below boiling point at Taos altitude, which is around 203°F (95°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. Use a traditional gourd and bombilla (optional): While not essential, a gourd and bombilla provide an authentic experience and help filter the yerba mate leaves.
5. Fill the gourd about two-thirds full with yerba mate: Gently shake the gourd to create a slope of leaves.
6. Moisten the leaves with cool water: Pour a small amount of cool water into the empty space in the gourd. This helps prevent burning the leaves.
7. Insert the bombilla: Place the bombilla at the bottom of the empty space.
8. Pour hot water into the empty space: Slowly pour the hot water into the empty space, being careful not to disturb the leaves too much.
9. Enjoy your Taos Tea: Sip the tea through the bombilla. Refill the gourd with hot water as needed.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Using boiling water: This can burn the leaves and create a bitter taste.
• Stirring the tea: This can clog the bombilla.
• Drinking too much too quickly: Yerba mate is a stimulant. Start with a small amount and see how you feel.
• Ignoring altitude sickness symptoms: If you experience nausea, headache, or fatigue, stop drinking the tea and seek medical advice if necessary.

Anecdotally, the Taos community reports several benefits from drinking Taos Tea. These include increased energy, improved focus, and enhanced digestion. Some locals believe that the high-altitude environment imbues the tea with unique properties.

However, it’s important to note that these are anecdotal reports and haven’t been scientifically proven. The placebo effect can also play a role.

Despite the lack of definitive scientific evidence, Taos Tea remains a beloved tradition in northern New Mexico. Its potential benefits, combined with the unique environment and cultural significance, make it a worthwhile experience for residents and visitors alike. Just remember to brew it properly, listen to your body, and acclimatize to the altitude.

Ultimately, the impact of Taos Tea on gut health is a complex interplay of factors. The altitude, the brewing process, the quality of the yerba mate, and the individual’s physiological response all contribute to the final outcome. While more research is needed to fully understand the specific effects of high-altitude brewed yerba mate, the potential benefits and the rich cultural heritage make Taos Tea a fascinating subject of study and a delightful beverage to enjoy.