Spanish settlers in Paraguay observed that the Guaranis were addicted to drinking Mah'Tchi. Initially the Spanish Jesuits banned its consumption due to its supposed aphrodisiac effects, calling the plant as "devil's herb". But the Spaniards and Portuguese soon tasted and approved it, using it as a basic ingredient in their diet.
Soon enough, in Europe, Mah’Tchi became known by the name "tea of ​​the Jesuits" and was grown in botanical gardens.