Hello there, tea lovers! If you’ve come to tea seeking a flavorful, caffeine-lite alternative to coffee (or just because you adore its endless variety, like us), you’ve come to the right place. With a stunning variety that ranges from the fruity punch of hibiscus to the sophisticated bouquet of Earl Grey, tea often comes steeped in health benefits too.
But before we delve into our daily cups, let’s pause for a little tea talk. An important step that many herbal tea enthusiasts tend to skip is consulting with a healthcare professional before bringing new herbal teas into their daily routines.
Why, you might ask? Well, here’s the thing. Many of us have a mental association that ‘natural’ equals ‘safe.’ But natural doesn’t always mean without risk. Herbal teas, while often beneficial, can sometimes interact with medications or have side effects for particular health conditions, such as pregnancy. In fact, herbal teas are not regulated by the FDA, according to Amber Trejo, a Registered Dietitian and founder of Naked Wellness.
While most herbal teas are generally safe in moderation, certain health conditions may call for caution. Tamar Samuels, a Registered Dietitian and Co-founder of Culina Health, shares that if you have conditions like diabetes, are on blood thinners, or take antidepressants, some herbal teas might clash with your medications.
So let’s steep a little longer in this subject and explore five herbal teas that you might want to sip with caution if you have these health conditions.
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile, the beloved nighttime soother, is known to help reduce anxiety with its gentle calming effects, according to an article in the Molecular Medicine Reports. If you have diabetes, chamomile might be a double-edged sword, as while it can help lower blood sugar levels, over-consumption could drop your levels too low, leading to a hypoglycemic event. Thus, monitoring your blood sugar closely becomes crucial if you choose to drink chamomile tea.
2. Green Tea
Green tea, famous for its antioxidants, may interact with medications used to treat heart conditions. You see, dried green tea leaves contain vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting. Large amounts can potentially interfere with the activity of certain blood thinners, like warfarin. Furthermore, if you’re taking Lisinopril for hypertension or heart failure, limiting your green tea intake is a wise choice as it can decrease the drug’s effectiveness.
3. Ginkgo Tea
Ginkgo tea should be approached with caution if you’re on blood-thinning medications, including warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin, and others, as ginkgo biloba slows blood clotting. People with epilepsy or those taking antidepressants should also be wary of ginkgo tea. Large quantities can cause seizures and reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsant drugs and certain antidepressants.
4. Ginseng and Licorice Teas
Ginseng and licorice teas, just like ginkgo, can interfere with the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications. They are best avoided if you’re dealing with health conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or others that require anticoagulants. Ginseng can also interact with certain chemotherapy drugs, HIV agents, some statins, and specific antidepressants.
5. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is known to interact with a wide variety of medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood thinners. While it’s often claimed to aid depression treatment, adding St. John’s Wort to your treatment plan without a doctor’s guidance can lead to potentially dangerous levels of serotonin in the body.
In conclusion, we encourage you to explore the wonderful world of herbal teas, but also recommend you consult with your healthcare provider or a dietitian before introducing any new herbal teas into your routine. Let’s keep our tea time safe, informed, and beneficial for our health!
