Are there any side effects to drinking turmeric tea?

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

According to health authorities, turmeric is generally considered safe to consume in moderate amounts. However, when asking, "Are there any side effects to drinking turmeric tea?" the answer depends largely on dosage, individual health, and preparation, as excessive intake can lead to adverse effects.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential adverse effects associated with drinking turmeric tea, including gastrointestinal issues, medication interactions, and risks for specific health conditions, emphasizing moderation.

Key Points

Moderate Doses Are Generally Safe: For most people, drinking turmeric tea in moderation (1-2 cups per day) is considered safe and has minimal side effects.
High Doses Can Cause Digestive Issues: Excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and acid reflux.
Blood-Thinning Is a Risk: Turmeric has anticoagulant properties and should be used with caution by those on blood-thinning medication or with bleeding disorders.
Kidney Stone Risk for Susceptible Individuals: High oxalate content in turmeric increases the risk of kidney stones for individuals already prone to them.
Potential for Drug Interactions: Curcumin can interact with various medications, including those for diabetes, blood pressure, and chemotherapy, so professional advice is recommended.
Liver and Allergic Risks: While rare, there are reports of liver injury from high-dose supplements, and allergic reactions (rashes, hives) can occur.
Consult a Doctor First: Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a pre-existing medical condition, or are on medication should consult a healthcare provider before regular consumption.

Understanding Turmeric and Its Active Compound

Turmeric, a golden-yellow spice from the Curcuma longa plant, contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While turmeric tea is a popular way to consume this spice, the concentration of curcumin is significantly lower than in potent supplements. Most of the reported side effects are associated with high doses, often from supplements, but they are still a consideration for tea drinkers, especially those consuming large quantities or with pre-existing health conditions.

Common Digestive Complaints

High doses of turmeric or its active component curcumin can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to several uncomfortable symptoms. This is one of the most frequently reported side effects. Many people who experience this find that reducing their intake or consuming the tea with a meal alleviates the issue.

Nausea and Upset Stomach: Consuming turmeric tea on an empty stomach can sometimes trigger nausea or a general upset stomach.
Diarrhea and Bloating: Excessive consumption can result in diarrhea, abdominal distension, and flatulence.
Acid Reflux: For individuals prone to acid reflux or other stomach issues, high doses of turmeric can aggravate their symptoms.

More Serious Health Risks and Precautions

Beyond common digestive issues, there are more serious health risks associated with turmeric, particularly when taken in high supplemental amounts. It is crucial to understand these risks, as they apply to a lesser degree to tea consumption.

Blood-Thinning Effects

Curcumin has blood-thinning properties and can slow blood clotting. This can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Individuals already taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin, or those with bleeding disorders, should use caution with turmeric tea and consult a doctor, especially before surgery.

Increased Risk of Kidney Stones

Turmeric is rich in oxalates, which can bind with calcium in the body to form calcium oxalate crystals, the most common type of kidney stone. For individuals with a history of kidney stones or a predisposition to them, consuming large amounts of turmeric can increase this risk. The amount of oxalate from moderate tea consumption is generally low, but becomes a concern with excessive intake.

Potential for Liver Issues

While some studies suggest turmeric may improve liver function, there have also been reports of liver injury linked to high doses of turmeric and curcumin supplements. Although rare, these cases highlight the importance of not over-consuming turmeric, especially for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. If you notice symptoms of liver damage, such as jaundice, dark urine, or pale stools, discontinue use and see a doctor.

Medication Interactions

Curcumin can interact with several types of medication, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing adverse side effects.

Diabetes Medications: Turmeric can lower blood sugar, which, when combined with diabetes medication, may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Blood Pressure Medications: It can also lower blood pressure, potentially causing dizziness or fainting in those taking antihypertensive drugs.
Chemotherapy Drugs: Curcumin may interfere with the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy treatments.
Medications Metabolized by the Liver: Turmeric can affect how the liver processes certain drugs, including some calcium channel blockers.

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to turmeric, presenting as skin rashes, itching, or swelling. Individuals with allergies to other spices in the ginger family might be at higher risk. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention.

Comparison of Effects: Moderate vs. High Turmeric Intake


Feature	Moderate Turmeric Tea Consumption	High Turmeric Tea or Supplement Consumption
Digestive Impact	Unlikely to cause issues; may aid digestion for some.	Increased risk of nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and acid reflux.
Blood Clotting	No significant effect.	Potentially enhanced blood-thinning, increased bleeding risk.
Kidney Stones	Not a risk for most individuals.	Higher oxalate intake increases risk, especially for susceptible people.
Medication Interaction	Low risk, but caution still advised.	Significant risk of interaction with blood thinners, diabetes meds, etc.
Allergic Reactions	Low risk, primarily in sensitive individuals.	Potential for skin rashes, itching, or more severe allergic reactions.

Safe Consumption Practices

To enjoy turmeric tea while minimizing potential risks, consider the following best practices:

Moderation is Key: Stick to one to two cups of turmeric tea per day. The typical amount of turmeric in tea is far less than in supplements, making side effects less likely.
Consume with Food: Drinking your tea with a meal, especially one containing fat, can improve absorption and reduce the risk of digestive upset.
Add Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper (containing piperine) can dramatically increase curcumin's bioavailability, maximizing benefits and ensuring you don't need excessive amounts.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience any adverse symptoms, reduce your intake or stop consuming turmeric tea. Your body's response is the best indicator of what is right for you.

Conclusion

While turmeric tea offers numerous potential health benefits, it is not without potential risks, especially with high or excessive consumption. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, but more serious concerns regarding blood thinning, kidney stone formation, and liver health can arise from high doses, which are more common with supplements. Individuals with specific medical conditions, those on certain medications, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise extra caution and consult a healthcare professional. By adhering to moderate consumption and practicing safe preparation methods, you can enjoy the potential benefits of turmeric tea while minimizing the chance of adverse effects. For further details on potential risks and medicinal interactions, you may consult resources like the Welsh Medicines Advice Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, especially if consumed in large quantities or on an empty stomach. High doses of turmeric can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea, upset stomach, and acid reflux.

Yes, the curcumin in turmeric can interact with certain medications. It can have blood-thinning effects and may also interact with drugs for diabetes, blood pressure, and chemotherapy.

For individuals susceptible to kidney stones, consuming large amounts of turmeric can increase the risk due to its high oxalate content, which promotes stone formation.

Individuals with bleeding disorders, gallbladder problems, kidney stones, liver disease, or those on certain medications should exercise caution or avoid turmeric tea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also be careful with high doses.

Moderate daily intake (1-2 cups) is generally considered safe for most healthy individuals. However, there is a lack of long-term safety data for very high or prolonged consumption.

Although uncommon, an allergic reaction can manifest as skin rashes, hives, itching, or swelling. In severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur, requiring immediate medical attention.

To enhance absorption and minimize digestive issues, drink turmeric tea with a meal, add a pinch of black pepper, and avoid excessive quantities. Start with a small amount and observe how your body reacts.