Soursop tea is made from the leaves of the Annona muricata tree, a tropical plant known for its potential health-promoting properties. Studies suggest that this tea may support the immune system, help reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
Despite its possible benefits, soursop tea can have side effects and is not suitable for everyone. Understanding its proper preparation and precautions is essential before adding it to your routine.
Soursop tea recipe
Soursop tea is easy and quick to make. You can consume 2 to 3 cups of soursop tea per day, preferably after meals.
Ingredients
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10g dried soursop leaves (approx. 5-7 whole leaves)
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1 liter of boiling water
Directions
To make the tea, simply place the soursop leaves in boiling water and soak for about 10 minutes. Then, strain and drink while warm, after meals.
Preparation details
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (includes simmering and steeping)
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Servings: 4 cups (1 liter)
Serving suggestions
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For Immune Support: Stir in 1 teaspoon of raw honey and a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon to boost Vitamin C absorption.
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For Digestion: Add a slice of fresh ginger or a few mint leaves during the steeping process to soothe the stomach.
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For Relaxation: Drink warm with a dash of cinnamon before bed.
How to choose high-quality soursop leaves
Selecting safe and potent leaves is essential for quality tea.
Dried vs. fresh
Dried leaves are often preferred for tea as they are more concentrated and have a longer shelf life. If using fresh leaves, they must be used within days of harvest to avoid spoilage. Drying concentrates the bioactive compounds, making the tea more potent by weight compared to fresh leaves.
Color and texture
Look for leaves that are a dull, rich green, as this indicates they were shade-dried or air-dried properly. Avoid leaves that are brown, overly brittle, or crumbly, as brown leaves often indicate sun damage or oxidation, which destroys the delicate acetogenins (active compounds).
Organic and pesticide-free
Since you are steeping these leaves directly in hot water, ensure you look for organic certification. Soursop trees are often treated with pesticides to control common pests like the soursop moth, and non-organic leaves can release these chemical residues into your tea.
Health benefits
Soursop leaf tea can serve several functions in the body, the main ones being:
1. Supports healthy blood sugar levels
Emerging research suggests soursop tea may help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. Studies indicate that the leaves contain compounds that can support natural insulin function and prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar after meals.
Read about other teas for blood sugar that diabetics can take to regulate levels.
2. Cell protection and antioxidant boost
Every cup is packed with antioxidants that act as bodyguards for your cells. These compounds neutralize "free radicals"—unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to illness. While not a replacement for medical treatment, soursop supports your body's natural defense systems.
3. Natural detox and gut health
Soursop has been used traditionally for generations as a natural cleanser. Modern science backs this up, showing that leaf extracts can help protect the digestive tract and create an environment that is unfriendly to harmful intestinal parasites.
Also recommended: Symptoms of Parasites: 7 Signs (with Online Symptom Test) tuasaude.com/en/symptoms-of-pinworms4. Combating viruses and bacteria
Soursop leaf extracts have flavonoid, steroid and alkaloid compounds with antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These can enhance the effect of antibiotics and promote the more effective elimination of microorganisms, as well as prevent the replication and spread of some viruses.
5. Lowering blood pressure
Soursop leaf extract contains alkaloid compounds such as coreximine, anomurine and reticulin. They also have essential oils that contain hypotensive properties which block calcium ion channels and allow blood vessels to dilate. This can be beneficial for managing blood pressure in those with hypertension.
6. Boosting immunity
Soursop tea naturally contains properties that promote increased leukocyte production. These are blood cells that are part of the immune system and help to prevent and fight infections, like the flu and colds.
7. Protecting the liver
Soursop leaves have a hepatoprotective effect, and can prevent liver damage caused by medications like acetaminophen that can impair liver functioning when used in excess.
Additionally, soursop tea can help combat hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice, which is caused by liver or bile duct changes.
Also recommended: 11 Liver Disease Symptoms (Online Symptom Quiz) tuasaude.com/en/liver-disease-symptoms8. Treating stomach problems
Soursop leaf extract has a gastric protective effect, which can help to relieve the symptoms of some gastric problems, such as stomach ulcers and gastritis. It naturally contains antioxidant compounds that help protect the stomach walls and reduce acidity, pain and discomfort.
Read about other home remedies for gastritis that you can prepare for gastric symptoms and stomach ulcers.
9. Reducing stress and anxiety
Due to the content of alkaloid compounds, soursop tea helps reduce anxiety, stress and insomnia, as these substances act on the central nervous system. This tea can have a relaxing effect and boost mood.
10. Promoting wound healing
Soursop leaf extract contains antioxidant compounds that protect tissues against oxidative damage. It can promote wound healing process, as well as increasing the availability of collagen and proteins that promote the growth of new cells to repair tissue. Therefore, soursop tea in the form of a poultice can be used to place on wounds and, thus, promote faster healing.
Properties of soursop tea
Soursop leaves are rich in phytochemicals, such as acetogenins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, vitamins and carotenoids, which can offer hypoglycemic, hypotensive, antispasmodic, sedative, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, healing and sedative properties. Learn more about the benefits of soursop and how it can be consumed.
Duration of use
There are no scientific studies that confirm the safe duration of soursop tea consumption, but the general recommendation for any type of tea is to drink it for three months followed by a one month break.
However, it is important to consult a medicinal plant specialist or your doctor before consuming soursop tea, as the duration time may vary depending on each person's health status.
Side effects
Although soursop has several benefits, its consumption should be supervised by a doctor or medicinal plant specialist.
Excessive intake can lead to nausea, vomiting, a sudden drop in blood pressure and intestinal symptoms. Because it contains antimicrobial properties, it can also eliminate the good bacteria from the body when consumed in excess.
Contraindications for use
Soursop tea is contraindicated for pregnant women, as it can cause premature birth or miscarriage.
Furthermore, its consumption is also not recommended for breastfeeding and children, as there is not enough scientific evidence to support its safety in these populations.
People taking medication such as antihypertensives, antidiabetics or anticoagulants should consult their doctor before drinking this tea.