Yerba máte seems to be becoming popular, but I am having trouble untangling
just what it is. From what I have read, it is a South American herbal tea
drunk communally - i.e., hot water is added to the herb as it is passed
around a group, gradually getting weaker and smoother. However:

Some sites claim there is no caffeine in yerba mate, others claim the
naturally occuring "elements" are so similar in chemical content that to
consider it anything else than caffeine is, to quote, "fooling yourself."

Moreover, some sites say the "caffeine-like" content is significantly
stronger than that of caffeine in black coffee. (Though it is mitigated
over time by the addition of the above mentioned water.) Others say that it
has less "caffeine-like" content and is no different than drinking weak
coffee or strong tea. I have also seen the term "yerba extract" mentioned
on weight loss/body building sites and want to stay far away from that sort
of thing.

Lastly, I live in an isolated rural area without access to any real tea
stores. Anything I should look (or look out) for if I want to try some of
this mail order? Should I try to find it "pure" or flavored with lemon? (I
understand Tazo sells it with lemon; Celestial Seasons sells it as part of
its morning awake tea) Is yerba mate the same as "green yerba mate" tea
mentioned at the stashtea.com site?

Thanks for any clarification of this subject - I only recently stumbled on
this group and apologize if the subject has been talked to death.