Ice cold or hot, there is something nostalgic and comforting about sharing a conversation over a cup of tea. Herbal teas have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. These teas come in a variety of flavors that have unique health properties. But if you have a health condition that requires medication, be aware that some herbal teas may interfere with prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Read on to learn more about teas that may affect your medications, as well as ways to enjoy herbal teas.
What are herbal teas?
Herbal teas are not the same as “real teas”, such as black, oolong, green and white varieties, which are made from Camellia sinensis (tea plant). Herbal teas, on the other hand, are made from a range of plants and can be prepared from their leaves, stems, roots, fruits, buds and flowers.
Additionally, herbal teas do not contain caffeine, while real teas do contain caffeine, says Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a registered dietitian based in Washington, DC. Herbal varieties also tend to taste milder or sweeter, compared to the bitter flavors of real tea, she says.
Flavor combinations such as apple, chamomile, mint, chai, ginger, turmeric, elderberry, tulsi, lemon and rooibos red tea are just some of the types of herbal teas you will find on grocery store shelves. “Most herbal teas are considered generally safe when consumed in moderation and can certainly be included as part of a nutrient-rich, whole-food diet,” says Lena Bakovic, registered dietitian nutritionist at Top Nutrition Coaching.
However, if you read their labels, you may see a warning on the herbal tea that recommends people talk to their doctor if they have a health problem or are taking medication. And that’s good advice, especially if you’re sipping on the following five teas.
5 Herbal Teas That May Affect Your Medications
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) is an herb traditionally used to reduce stress, improve well-being, reduce anxiety and improve the quality and duration of sleep. Ashwagandha may be an additional ingredient in different herbal tea formulations promoted to reduce stress and induce a calming effect.
Results from research studies in which participants took 500 to 600 milligrams per day of ashwagandha extract suggest that there may be interactions with a range of medications: thyroid medications, diabetes medications, medications against hypertension, immunosuppressants and sedatives. Although it is likely that there is a smaller dose of ashwagandha in the tea, if you are taking one of these medications and drinking ashwagandha regularly, you should contact your doctor to be sure that it is safe for you.
2. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a plant rich in antioxidant compounds called flavonoids that can help dilate blood vessels to improve circulation. For some people this can be a problem. “Ginkgo biloba tea may slow blood clotting, leading to an interaction with blood thinning medications, and may also interact with NSAID medications, such as ibuprofen, increasing the risk of bleeding,” says Bakovic. Therefore, people with a known risk of bleeding should use caution when using ginkgo biloba products.
3. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort comes from the flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum and has been studied for its use in treating symptoms of depression, wound healing, ADHD, and menopausal symptoms, among others. However, there is ample evidence to suggest that SJW may interfere with many types of medications, reducing their effectiveness.
Some of the potential interactions? “St. St. John’s Wort may impact selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) due to increasing serotonin levels, reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive medications by changing the way our bodies metabolize them, and worsen the use of anticoagulants increases the risk of blood clotting,” explains Thomason.
4. Golden Seal
Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis), also known as yellow root, has been used as a remedy for colds and other respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), ulcers, and digestive problems like diarrhea and constipation. Goldenseal may interfere with certain diabetes medications, such as metformin, by reducing their effectiveness.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is often touted as a stress reliever or the perfect bedtime tea. Although the amounts in teas are probably safe, chamomile can potentially interact with warfarin (a blood thinner) and cyclosporine (an immunosuppressive medication used after organ transplantation).
Additionally, you may need to take precautions if you have diabetes, says Bakovic. “If a person with diabetes chooses to drink chamomile tea regularly, it is recommended to monitor their blood sugar closely for possible hypoglycemic effects,” she explains.
Tips for including herbal teas in a healthy diet
Drinking tea is a wonderful way to meet your hydration goals, especially if you have trouble drinking plain water. “Herbal teas can be an important part of a healthy diet because they contain antioxidants and nutrients that you might not otherwise consume,” says Thomason. “As the herbal tea is caffeine-free, you can easily incorporate it at any time of the day and it tastes great whether served hot or cold,” she adds. Prepare the herbal tea in a large container and store it in the refrigerator for a refreshing drink. And while you can do it safely, try these recipes for Herbal Chamomile Health Tonic, Lavender Chamomile Tea, or Iced Hibiscus Pomegranate Tea.
The essential
Herbal teas are a great addition to a healthy diet because they provide fluids and antioxidants. They are caffeine-free and come in a variety of flavors. Depending on the amount you consume and the type, some herbal teas, like ashwagandha and ginkgo biloba, can potentially interact with medications. Be sure to consult a doctor if you are unsure whether the herbal tea you are consuming may impact the effectiveness of your medications, especially if you drink it regularly.