Guarana
Guarana or guaraná (pronounced gwa-ra-'naa) is a berry that grows in Venezuela and the northern parts of Brazil known for its high caffeine content. The name 'Guarana' comes from the Guarani tribe that lives in Brazil. Guarana plays a very important role in their culture, as this herb is believed to be magical, a cure for bowel complaints and a way to regain strength. They also tell the myth of a 'Divine Child', that was killed by a serpent and whose eyes gave birth to this plant.
Guarana's biological name, Paullinia cupana, was taken from the German medical botanist Christian Franz Paullini, who discovered the tribe and the plant in the 18th century.
The Guarana plant contains caffeine, and so acts as a stimulant. Like many other caffeine-containing plants, it is used for drinks; a kind of carbonated soft drink that is made from the Guarana berry is known as "Guarana". The word "Guarana", in this sense, is akin to the word "Cola". Thus, just as there are a number of Colas (Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, RC Cola, etc.), there are a number of Guaranas, such as Guaraná Antarctica or Guaraná Kuat. All these drinks are fizzy and sweet, and taste a little bit like bubble gum - some people say it tastes a bit like root beer . Most Guarana of this sort is produced in Brazil and consumed either in Brazil or in nearby countries, such as Paraguay.
There are a number of other drinks containing the Guarana berry available for purchase worldwide. Most of them are not called Guarana, and do not taste like the Guarana drinks mentioned above.
Some people see guarana as an aphrodisiac.