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Almost half of American adults—that’s nearly 120 million people—havehigh blood pressure. High blood pressure increases one’s risk for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Unfortunately, only 1 in 4 of adults who have high blood pressure have their blood pressure under control, meaning there is a lot of room for improvement to help these individuals better manage their condition.
While it may seem like the trend to use herbal teas to help manage high blood pressure, this isn’t necessarily recommended. In fact, these five herbal teas may actually do more harm than good for hypertension. In this article, we’ll share just what teas you should avoid, offering lifestyle and nutrition management tips instead from two leading registered dietitians.
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5 Herbal Teas to Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure
1. Ginseng Herbal Tea
Ginseng is a popular herb that’s commonly used in Chinese medicine. While it shows some promise for increasing energy levels and promoting well-being, the available science is limited. In fact, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the evidence for the long-term safety of using this herb is insufficient. Studies have found that it may either decrease or increase blood pressure, so more research is needed to help clarify the relationship.
2. Ginkgo Biloba Herbal Tea
You may be considering the herbal tea ginkgo biloba for a memory boost, but it’s important to know how it might affect the medications you’re on. For instance, research shows that ginkgo biloba may interact with a type of medications known as blood thinners, a class of pharmaceuticals designed to thin your blood to prevent blood clots.While not every individual with hypertension will be on this type of medication, it’s more common for those who are prone to blood clots. If you’re taking a blood thinner, it’s highly likely that ginkgo biloba tea could interact with it and alter its effectiveness.
Plus, depending on the type of tea and processing of the tea leaves, this herbal remedy can be toxic.Error on the side of caution, and always talk to your healthcare team before trying something new.
3. Licorice Herbal Tea
Unfortunately for licorice fans, this tea may not be the best choice if you have high blood pressure. According toSylvia Klinger, D.B.A., M.S., RDN, award-winning author, entrepreneur and founder of Hispanic & Multicultural Nutrition Communications, “Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizic acid which may raise blood pressure and cause other serious side effects, potentially resulting in headaches, fatigue and even heart attacks.”
A recent 2024 study published in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutritionconfirmed previous findings, noting that even just 100 grams of licorice may have a significant effect on blood pressure.Amidor shares, “Glycyrrhizic acid found in licorice may cause the body to retain water and sodium, affecting blood pressure. Because glycyrrhizic acid affects an enzyme in the kidney, the body’s fluid balance is impacted.”
Since the level of this compound in licorice tea can vary, it’s not possible to give a recommendation of a safe amount to consume. Instead, if you have high blood pressure, it’s best to avoid this tea and look for one prepared with anise seeds instead, which yield a similar flavor without the contraindications.
4. St. John’s Wort Herbal Tea
Know for its yellow flowers, St. John’s Wort is an herb that has been used in European medicine for centuries to help treat wounds and conditions like depression. However, it has been flagged stateside for its interactions with common medications, specifically statins, which are often prescribed to those with high blood pressure.Klinger advises patients to avoid this herb in tea form, too, as it may cause heart problems.
5. Yohimbe Bark Herbal Tea
Native to Africa, Yohimbe is a type of evergreen tree. The bark of this tree has been used as an aphrodisiac and to aid sexual performance.While there are prescription medications sold in the United States called yohimbine hydrochloride, they are different from the supplement form prepared from the bark of the tree. Data on this tea is extremely limited and suggests that it may be linked to heart attacks and seizures.It’s best to avoid this tea—even if you don’t have high blood pressure—until more data is available.
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The Bottom Line
Managing high blood pressure doesn’t mean you have to spend your money on expensive supplements and herbal teas. In fact, specific herbal teas, like ginseng, ginkgo biloba, licorice, St. John’s Wort and yohimbe herbal teas may actually make hypertension worse. Instead, consider lifestyle habits that can help improve your blood pressure, like following the DASH diet, regularly being active, limiting alcohol consumption and managing stress.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).High Blood Pressure.Jalili J, Askeroglu U, Alleyne B, Guyuron B.Herbal products that may contribute to hypertension.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013;131(1):168-173. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e318272f1bbNational Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Asian Ginseng.Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL.Common herbal dietary supplement-drug interactions.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(2):101-107.National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginkgo.Af Geijerstam P, Joelsson A, Rådholm K, Nyström FH.A low dose of daily licorice intake affects renin, aldosterone, and home blood pressure in a randomized crossover trial.Am J Clin Nutr. 2024;119(3):682-691. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.011National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice Root.National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.St. John’s Wort.National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Yohimbe.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH).DASH Eating Plan.Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Preventing High Blood Pressure.United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Zhao Y, Tang C, Tang W, et al.The association between tea consumption and blood pressure in the adult population in Southwest China.BMC Public Health. 2023;23(1):476. doi:10.1186/s12889-023-15315-5Jalalyazdi M, Ramezani J, Izadi-Moud A, Madani-Sani F, Shahlaei S, Ghiasi SS.Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension.J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2019;10(3):107-111. doi:10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_402_18
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EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).High Blood Pressure.Jalili J, Askeroglu U, Alleyne B, Guyuron B.Herbal products that may contribute to hypertension.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013;131(1):168-173. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e318272f1bbNational Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Asian Ginseng.Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL.Common herbal dietary supplement-drug interactions.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(2):101-107.National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginkgo.Af Geijerstam P, Joelsson A, Rådholm K, Nyström FH.A low dose of daily licorice intake affects renin, aldosterone, and home blood pressure in a randomized crossover trial.Am J Clin Nutr. 2024;119(3):682-691. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.011National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice Root.National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.St. John’s Wort.National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Yohimbe.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH).DASH Eating Plan.Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Preventing High Blood Pressure.United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Zhao Y, Tang C, Tang W, et al.The association between tea consumption and blood pressure in the adult population in Southwest China.BMC Public Health. 2023;23(1):476. doi:10.1186/s12889-023-15315-5Jalalyazdi M, Ramezani J, Izadi-Moud A, Madani-Sani F, Shahlaei S, Ghiasi SS.Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension.J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2019;10(3):107-111. doi:10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_402_18
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).High Blood Pressure.Jalili J, Askeroglu U, Alleyne B, Guyuron B.Herbal products that may contribute to hypertension.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013;131(1):168-173. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e318272f1bbNational Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Asian Ginseng.Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL.Common herbal dietary supplement-drug interactions.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(2):101-107.National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginkgo.Af Geijerstam P, Joelsson A, Rådholm K, Nyström FH.A low dose of daily licorice intake affects renin, aldosterone, and home blood pressure in a randomized crossover trial.Am J Clin Nutr. 2024;119(3):682-691. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.011National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice Root.National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.St. John’s Wort.National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Yohimbe.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH).DASH Eating Plan.Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Preventing High Blood Pressure.United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Zhao Y, Tang C, Tang W, et al.The association between tea consumption and blood pressure in the adult population in Southwest China.BMC Public Health. 2023;23(1):476. doi:10.1186/s12889-023-15315-5Jalalyazdi M, Ramezani J, Izadi-Moud A, Madani-Sani F, Shahlaei S, Ghiasi SS.Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension.J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2019;10(3):107-111. doi:10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_402_18
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).High Blood Pressure.
Jalili J, Askeroglu U, Alleyne B, Guyuron B.Herbal products that may contribute to hypertension.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013;131(1):168-173. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e318272f1bb
National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Asian Ginseng.
Asher GN, Corbett AH, Hawke RL.Common herbal dietary supplement-drug interactions.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(2):101-107.
National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginkgo.
Af Geijerstam P, Joelsson A, Rådholm K, Nyström FH.A low dose of daily licorice intake affects renin, aldosterone, and home blood pressure in a randomized crossover trial.Am J Clin Nutr. 2024;119(3):682-691. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.01.011
National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice Root.
National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.St. John’s Wort.
National Institute of Health (NIH). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Yohimbe.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH).DASH Eating Plan.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Preventing High Blood Pressure.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Zhao Y, Tang C, Tang W, et al.The association between tea consumption and blood pressure in the adult population in Southwest China.BMC Public Health. 2023;23(1):476. doi:10.1186/s12889-023-15315-5
Jalalyazdi M, Ramezani J, Izadi-Moud A, Madani-Sani F, Shahlaei S, Ghiasi SS.Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure in patients with stage 1 hypertension.J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2019;10(3):107-111. doi:10.4103/japtr.JAPTR_402_18
