Is It Safe to Drink Herbal Tea Daily? Expert Answers

Herbal teas are the new sensation. From chamomile to peppermint, these healthy green teas are preferred by many. Be it as a morning starter or a soothing bedtime drink – herbal teas are a popular choice. But have you ever wondered whether herbal teas are safe for daily consumption or not? Today, we will answer this for you.

The editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Geetika Chopra, Celebrity Holistic Nutritionist, to get a wholesome view of this topic from an expert lens.

Can We Drink Herbal Tea Daily?

Many of our days start with herbal teas. But is it safe to drink herbal tea daily? “Yes, most people can safely drink herbal tea every day, provided it is consumed in moderate amounts and made from pure, good-quality herbs. Unlike regular tea or coffee, herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and plant compounds that support overall wellness,” shares Dr Chopra.

She adds that daily intake of herbal tea can help regulate digestion, improve hydration, reduce oxidative stress, and calm the nervous system. “However, herbal teas are still biologically active substances, meaning they can mildly affect hormones, blood pressure, or digestion if taken excessively. Therefore, 1–2 cups per day is generally safe for healthy individuals. The safety also depends on the herb — gentle herbs like chamomile, tulsi, lemongrass, and peppermint are suitable for daily use, whereas strong herbs like licorice or hibiscus are best consumed in moderation,” explains Dr Chopra.

Side Effects Of Herbal Tea

The expert adds that although herbal tea is natural, certain herbs can produce side effects in sensitive individuals, especially if consumed in high amounts. “Strong herbs like ginger or peppermint may trigger acidity or digestive discomfort in people with reflux or gastritis. Hibiscus may lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for some, but risky for people already on BP medication. Licorice tea, if consumed regularly in high doses, may cause water retention or increase blood pressure due to its glycyrrhizin content,” shares Dr Chopra.

She adds, “Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to floral or aromatic herbs such as chamomile or lavender. Herbal teas can also interact with medicines, especially blood thinners, anti-diabetic medications, and thyroid medicines, altering their effect. This is why moderation, variety, and awareness of personal health conditions are important.”

Health Benefits Of Herbal Tea

Herbal tea provides a wide range of health benefits because each herb comes with its own unique therapeutic properties. Dr Chopra lists them down for us:

• Most herbal teas contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect the body from oxidative stress, a major contributor to chronic diseases.
• Digestive herbs such as peppermint, ginger, and fennel relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion by relaxing the gastrointestinal tract.
• Calming herbs like chamomile and tulsi help regulate cortisol, support sleep, and reduce anxiety.
• Metabolism-boosting herbs such as lemongrass, cinnamon, and ginger help improve digestion and may assist in weight management.
• Hibiscus supports heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Regular consumption of herbal tea also boosts hydration, improves liver function, and strengthens immunity, making it a gentle but powerful addition to daily wellness.

Also Read: Air Pollution: Consume These Teas to Boost Lung Health and Fight Pollution

Are Tea Bags Safe For Health?

We often wonder whether tea bags are safe for us or not. “Tea bags are generally safe, but their safety depends heavily on the material and the quality of herbs used. Many low-cost commercial tea bags are made using microplastic-containing materials or are sealed with heat-activated plastic, which can release microplastics into the hot water. Bleached tea bags may contain chlorine residues, and dust-grade tea used in cheap tea bags delivers fewer nutrients compared to whole-leaf herbs,” explains Dr Chopra.

The expert adds, “To ensure safety, it is better to choose unbleached, biodegradable tea bags made from natural fibers, or opt for high-quality brands that use whole herbs. The safest option remains loose-leaf herbal teas, which offer better potency, purity, and no risk of microplastic exposure.”

Who Should Avoid Herbal Tea?

“Some individuals should either avoid certain herbal teas or consume them only after professional guidance. Overall, health conditions and medicinal interactions must be considered before daily use,” warns the expert. Dr Chopra shares who should not indulge in herbal tea:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women must avoid herbs like hibiscus, sage, rosemary, and licorice because they may influence hormones or uterine contractions.
• People on medications — especially blood thinners, anti-hypertensives, thyroid medication, or diabetes drugs — should be cautious because some herbs alter blood pressure, sugar levels, or medication absorption.
• Individuals with acidity, gastritis, or ulcers may find strong teas like peppermint or ginger irritating if consumed on an empty stomach.
• Those with kidney issues should avoid hibiscus or very concentrated herbal blends.
• People with pollen or plant allergies may react to floral herbs such as chamomile.

Tips To Add Herbal Tea In Your Daily Diet

Incorporating herbal tea into your daily routine is simple if done mindfully. Dr Chopra shares simple ways to do so:

• Start with one cup a day and gradually increase to two cups, if your body responds well.
• Choose pure loose-leaf herbs, as they offer better potency and fewer contaminants than commercial tea bags.
• You can enjoy herbal tea after meals to support digestion, or in the evening to help the body unwind and improve sleep quality.
• If you experience acidity, avoid drinking herbal tea on an empty stomach — pair it with a light snack instead.
• Rotate herbs throughout the week to avoid overuse of a single one and to get a wider range of benefits.
• You can also enhance your tea naturally with lemon, mint, cinnamon, or a few drops of honey instead of sugar.
• Lastly, avoid over-brewing strong herbs to prevent excessive extraction of compounds that may irritate the stomach.

Also Read: How Herbal Teas Can Help You Fight Pollution And Keep You Warm This Winter, Expert Explains

The Final Word

Herbal teas are safe for daily consumption, given it is done in moderate amounts and made from pure, good-quality herbs. Unlike tea or coffee, herbal teas are caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and plant compounds that support overall wellness.