Short introduction A myth is defined as a traditional story that dates back to ancient history. It can also be classified as a natural or common phenomenon which may or may not involve the presence of supernatural individuals or events. Usually, these folklores are considered true or sacred by ancient people. There are many myths and folklore surrounding stevia. It has many therapeutic values ​​that have been used historically by people. Although it is a newly created herb, stevia is one of the natural herbs that the Earth is blessed with. Even so, there are a few myths about stevia. The Guarani Indians of Paraguay were the first to found Stevia centuries ago. This can then be considered the ancient history of weed. The Guarani people only discovered this herb as a sweet herb where it was used to sweeten the Paraguayans' yerba mate. However, it is only in the last thirty years that scientists have dedicated themselves to researching stevia due to the discovery made by a European scientist. As it is still relatively new to the market, stevia may lack some folklore, even if it is interesting. There definitely needs to be more folklore to make stevia more interesting. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Stories, Myths, Superstitions Historians have gone to great lengths to research more folklore related to stevia. Unfortunately, there is a lack of evidence demonstrating the relationship between humans and stevia (Kinghorn 57). Many authors who have studied stevia for years have pointed out that many history books do not mention or acknowledge the existence of stevia. Nonetheless, the most popular stevia folklore is the use of the sweet plant to sweeten traditional Paraguayan mate drinks. This natural tea drink has a bitter taste without any added sugar or other sweetening ingredients. Like any other tea, mate tea is usually brewed in hot water. It is a popular drink consumed at parties and family events. In other words, it is a recreational drink that can be consumed at any time. According to the culture of Paraguayans, although it is a recreational drink, the consumption of mate tea requires a defined mood, time, spiritual state (Kinghorn 57). Additionally, the folk expression of drinking mate tea with stevia is expressed in the form of friendship. This explains the folklore born of stevia. Balancing the bitterness of mate with the sweetness is like finding the perfect match. The bitterness and sweetness of a drink formed a good balance like a friendship. In today's society, people still drink their traditional drink with stevia. It is one of the folklores that still exists in Paraguay. In addition, since the discovery of stevia, Paraguayans have revered this plant. This is the reason why the herbaceous plant is used with their traditional drink. This gives spiritual significance to the culture developed by the people of Paraguay. Knowing that stevia is a sweet plant, it was not only used for the mate drink. When stevia was first discovered, people weren't entirely thrilled because it only has one winning factor: sweetener. When knowledge began to spread to other countries, Paraguayans knew they had discovered the future of all sweetening ingredients. The Paraguayans used it to naturally treat illnesses. Since it is a natural plant, the Paraguayans believed that theStevia had great healing power. According to other folklore, stevia helps boost alertness and overcome fatigue. Additionally, when tobacco was discovered, people became addicted to tobacco. Basically, the number of smokers continued to increase alarmingly at the time. When smokers started chewing stevia leaves as recreational purposes, it was observed that people smoked less. After consuming stevia tea, people have less desire to smoke or drink alcoholic beverages. This means that stevia has been put to good use for the benefit of society by reducing bad habits in society. Additionally, the Guarani people believe that stevia helps strengthen the heart and also reduces cardiovascular risk. It is indeed a medicinal plant for society. One of the many historical stories about stevia involved the ancient Guarani legend. This happened centuries ago, there was an old Guarani who was a healer in his village. This healer was very wise in treating his patients with local herbs and plants, as he knew the healing values ​​of each herb. At the time of his death, the healer specifically told his assistant that he would take with him the spirit of stevia and the knowledge of its healing qualities. After his passing, farmers began to lose interest in planting and producing stevia, as knowledge of stevia's healing properties began to fade over generations. Soon there was no market for stevia to rely on. Then, a few years ago, a meeting organized by the Paraguayan Extension Service took place in a small village. A fragile village elder was present at the meeting. When asked what brought him to the meeting, the old man then replied that his grandfather's spirit had come to him and told him about Kaa he-he. His mission was to carry his grandfather's message to people concerned about stevia cultivation in Paraguay. According to the grandfather's mind, stevia was a sacred herb that was only to be used for virtuous purposes and to heal humanity. Stevia would be a blessing to the world, as the spirit says. Indeed, stevia has brought great benefits to the population in its efforts to reduce chronic diseases such as diabetes. Another folklore has it that Paraguayan women used stevia as a form of natural contraceptive. The use of stevia as a method of birth control was not found in historical literature from 1901 to 1960 (Kinghorn 57). This was not established in the literature until around 1968. In the past, it was used to decrease fertility. Stevia leaves contain certain compounds and substances that may have an effect on reproduction. Traditionally, women in Paraguay drank stevia tea as a contraceptive method. Usually, the dose women take is one cup of stevia tea. Stevia tea was made from stevia powder that had been boiled. Daily consumption of stevia can negatively affect the menstrual cycle of these women. It is precisely for this reason that the Food and Drug Administration of America has disapproved the sale of stevia on the market. The government agency was scared and worried about whether it would have an effect on infertility in both men and women. However, it was only later that this particular concern was dismissed by scientific studies. Scientific studies have shown no evidence that consuming stevia will cause infertility. At this point, the folklore has not been supported by any scientific evidence. There is no evidence indicating that..