3 Herbal Teas You Shouldn’t Be Drinking When You Have Diabetes

Herbal tea has become increasingly popular, thanks in large part to its functional benefits. From lowering inflammation to improving gut health to easing nausea, there seems to be a tea that claims to heal every ailment, including diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition where blood sugar is too high. How does it happen? Usually, after we eat carbohydrates, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin to move the glucose out of the blood into cells for energy. With diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or our cells cannot use insulin efficiently, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to other chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, vision problems, kidney disease and neuropathy.

Can drinking herbal tea help you if you have diabetes? And is it safe? Not necessarily, says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDECS, author of 2 Day Diabetes Diet. “When you have a chronic health condition like diabetes and are taking additional medications, it is even more essential to ensure there is no danger of adding a supplement to your daily routine, including herbal teas,” she says.“Some herbal teas can interact with medications or have a dangerous impact on blood sugar levels, so it is always important to vet any new regimen with your physician and/or pharmacist first.”

There’s another reason to be cautious about herbal teas. Because herbal teas are technically supplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate them the same way as foods and beverages. This has led to concerns over the quality of what’s in the actual tea bag. “It’s important to ensure that any supplements, like herbal teas, you take are not causing harm,” says Lorena Drago, M.S., RDN, CDN, CDCES, a nutritionist specializing in diabetes and multi-cultural nutrition. “For instance, an herbal tea could interact with one or more of your medications, affect your blood glucose levels, cause hypoglycemia, and lead to other health problems.” 

So, which herbal teas should you avoid if you’re living with diabetes? Here’s what diabetes experts have to say. 

The 3 Teas You Shouldn’t Be Drinking When You Have Diabetes 

Aloe Vera Herbal Tea 

This popular plant has gained promise as a gel for sunburn pain relief. But it can also be found in tea form. However, Palinski-Wade recommends caution before sipping a cup of aloe vera tea. “Research has shown that consuming aloe vera may have a drastic effect on blood sugars, raising concern of a hypoglycemic episode pending the individual patient’s medication regimen,” she says. 

While research is scant, one older study explored the impact of aloe vera gel powder on blood sugar response and blood lipids in people living with type 2 diabetes. Their findings: Consuming aloe vera gel powder led to a significant reduction in blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. That might sound encouraging. However, these powerful effects have a potential downside as they could cause dangerously low blood glucose for people taking blood sugar-lowering medication, says Palinski-Wade. 

Chamomile Herbal Tea 

This caffeine-free herbal tea has been used for centuries to help with sleep, digestion, mental health and more. We aren’t knocking the science. But if you’re living with diabetes and are also taking certain medications, like blood thinners such as warfarin, chamomile may dangerously interact with your medication. In fact, the potential interactions are so concerning that one study specifically advised against recommending chamomile to patients on warfarin due to the potential for increased risk of bleeding.

On the upside, chamomile isn’t a problem for everyone living with diabetes, just those on certain medications. So, if you love chamomile tea, speak with your healthcare provider to see if it’s safe for you.

Fenugreek Herbal Tea 

Fenugreek has a long history as a herbal remedy for diabetes management. And science agrees. Research suggests fenugreek may improve blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides.  At the same time, it may not be safe for everyone. “Fenugreek supplements may have hypoglycemic effects, causing a decrease in blood sugar,” says Drago. “Plus, they may also interact with blood-thinning medications, causing concern for those with diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.” Before using fenugreek as an herbal tea or supplement, speak with your physician to ensure it won’t interact with your medications. 

Tips for Healthy Eating if You Have Diabetes

While teas and supplements may be tempting, the real key to managing diabetes is a blood-sugar-lowering diet plus exercise. That’s why Palinski-Wade and Drago recommend saving your money and focusing on what’s in your kitchen. These tips can get you started:

• Fill up with fiber. Fiber keeps you full and balances blood sugar. Try to add one fiber-rich food to every meal and snack. Need dinner ideas? Try this 30-Day High-Fiber, Diabetes-Friendly Dinner Plan.
• Opt for powerful pairings. Fruit is great for you. But for even better blood sugar management, pair it with healthy fat and protein, which can slow down carbohydrate digestion. It’s as simple as a sliced banana over Greek yogurt with some slivered almonds on top! 
• Volumize with veggies. Vegetables are the ultimate diabetes-friendly food. They’re low in carbohydrates and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Plus, their fiber aids with satiety. No time to cook? Stock up on frozen riced cauliflower and pre-washed spinach for a quick veggie fix.
• Supplement as a safety net. In some cases, certain supplements, like vitamin B12, may be helpful, especially if you’re taking the diabetes drug Metformin, says Drago. “Metformin blocks the absorption of vitamin B12 in higher doses after long treatment, and with other high-risk factors, such as older age and use of antacids,” she says.
• Monitor your blood sugar. When it comes to your blood sugar numbers, don’t wing it. “I advise my patients to monitor their blood glucose and carry blood glucose tablets or fast acting sources of carbohydrate like regular soda, juice or milk,” says Drago.

The Bottom Line

Certain herbal teas may interact with diabetes medications and other drugs. Diabetes dietitians advise anyone living with diabetes to exert caution with herbal teas, especially aloe vera, chamomile and fenugreek. Instead of spending your money on herbal teas, speak with your healthcare team to find a treatment regimen that works for you. At the same time, focus on diet and lifestyle changes, like staying physically active and eating more blood-sugar-friendly fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. They’re the best over-the-counter remedy for diabetes management!