How Long Should One Take Soursop Tea?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to traditional medicinal practices and anecdotal recommendations, many herbal teas are best consumed in cycles to maximize benefits and minimize risks. Soursop tea, an herbal infusion with a long history of use, is no exception, but the question of how long should one take soursop tea is crucial for safety, especially regarding long-term use.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the recommended cycling for soursop tea, typically 30 days on followed by a 10-day break, to mitigate potential health risks. It outlines daily dosage guidelines and precautions concerning the neurotoxin annonacin, emphasizing the need for moderation and medical consultation.

Key Points

Cycling is Recommended: To minimize risks, consume soursop tea in cycles, such as 30 days on followed by a 10-day break.
Risk of Neurotoxicity: Excessive, long-term use is associated with a neurotoxin, annonacin, which can lead to symptoms similar to atypical Parkinsonism.
Moderate Daily Dosage: Limit intake to 1 to 3 cups per day, and start with a lower dose to assess your body's tolerance.
Avoid If Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Soursop tea is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential uterine stimulant effects and lack of safety data.
Consult a Doctor for Conditions: Individuals with low blood pressure, diabetes, or neurological issues should consult a healthcare provider before use, as soursop may interact with medications.
Toxicity in Seeds and High Doses: Always remove toxic seeds from the fruit, and avoid consuming soursop in large, concentrated amounts to prevent adverse effects.

Understanding the Recommended Soursop Tea Cycle

For many herbal remedies, including soursop tea, the principle of 'cycling' is recommended to prevent accumulation of certain compounds and reduce the risk of side effects. A widely cited guideline suggests a cycle of 30 days of daily consumption, followed by a 10-day break. This allows the body to reset and is a common practice with potent plant-based supplements. While short-term, moderate use is generally considered safe for most healthy adults, long-term or excessive intake carries specific risks that a cycling schedule can help address.

Potential Risks of Long-Term Soursop Tea Consumption

Excessive and prolonged use of soursop tea is linked to potential neurotoxicity due to the presence of a compound called annonacin. Annonacin is a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and has been associated with atypical Parkinsonism, a neurodegenerative condition. Symptoms can include movement disorders, muscle rigidity, and balance issues, and these effects are dose-dependent. For this reason, moderation and adherence to a cycling schedule are key to minimizing exposure and risk. It is particularly important for individuals with pre-existing neurological conditions to avoid soursop tea entirely.

Daily Dosage Recommendations

For those who do choose to use soursop tea, establishing a safe daily dosage is crucial. Most recommendations suggest limiting intake to 1 to 3 cups per day. Starting with a single cup allows you to gauge your body's reaction, with the option to increase to two or three cups if well-tolerated. The potency of the tea can vary based on whether you use fresh or dried leaves and the steeping time. A standard preparation involves steeping 2–3 grams of loose dried leaves (or 5–7 dried leaves per liter) for 5–10 minutes.

Preparing Soursop Tea Safely

Source Quality: Buy soursop leaves from reputable suppliers to ensure purity and reduce the risk of contamination.
Preparation: To make soursop tea, boil water and then add the leaves. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or longer for a stronger brew. Steeping is often sufficient for dried leaves, while fresh leaves may benefit from a brief simmer. Strain the leaves before drinking.
Flavoring: While the tea has a mild, earthy taste, you can enhance it with a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of honey.
Timing: Some find it beneficial to drink the tea in the morning or after meals to aid digestion, while its calming properties make it suitable for evening consumption as well.

Soursop Tea Usage Scenarios: A Comparison

To illustrate the safe duration and dosage, here is a comparison of different usage scenarios for soursop tea.


Scenario	Recommended Duration	Daily Dosage	Key Considerations	Precautionary Notes
Short-Term Support	1-4 weeks	1-2 cups	Great for immune boosting or a temporary health routine.	Start with 1 cup to monitor tolerance. Watch for side effects.
Symptom Management	30 days on, 10 days off	1-3 cups	Follow a consistent cycle for conditions like inflammation or high blood pressure.	Consult a doctor, especially if on related medications.
Long-Term Daily Use	Not Recommended	>3 cups	Excessive, uninterrupted use significantly increases the risk of neurotoxicity.	Risk of developing atypical Parkinsonism-like symptoms increases with high-dose, long-term use.

When to Avoid Soursop Tea

Due to its potent compounds, soursop tea is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it, as some compounds may have uterine stimulant effects and safety data is lacking. Individuals with low blood pressure or diabetes should be cautious, as the tea can lower both blood pressure and blood sugar, potentially interacting with medications. Those with existing liver or kidney disease, or any neurological conditions like Parkinson's, should avoid it entirely. As always, consult a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal regimen, particularly if you have a medical condition or are on medication.

Conclusion: The Importance of Moderation and Cycling

While soursop tea offers a range of potential health benefits, the answer to "how long should one take soursop tea?" is not indefinitely. The current best practice is to follow a cyclical pattern, such as 30 days of use followed by a 10-day break. This approach mitigates the risk associated with the neurotoxin annonacin and other potential side effects from long-term accumulation. Listening to your body, starting with a low dose, and consulting a healthcare provider are all critical steps for safely incorporating this powerful herbal tea into your wellness routine. Embracing moderation ensures you can benefit from its properties without undue risk.

Learn more about herbal tea safety and interactions here.

Frequently Asked Questions

While drinking 1 to 2 cups of soursop tea daily for a short period is generally considered safe for healthy adults, daily consumption over a prolonged period is not recommended. Following a cycle, like 30 days on and 10 days off, is a safer approach due to concerns about annonacin accumulation.

Excessive and long-term consumption of soursop tea can potentially lead to neurological issues similar to atypical Parkinsonism due to the neurotoxin annonacin. High doses may also cause nausea, vomiting, or significant drops in blood pressure.

Yes, soursop tea has potential blood pressure-lowering effects. Individuals with low blood pressure or those taking blood pressure medication should be cautious and consult a doctor, as the tea could cause dangerously low levels.

Soursop tea should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and people with Parkinson's disease or other neurological conditions. It is also contraindicated for those with low blood pressure, diabetes, or liver and kidney issues.

For a standard cup of soursop tea, most recommendations suggest using 2-3 dried leaves. If you are using fresh leaves, 3-5 leaves may be needed for a similar strength. Adjust the amount to taste while staying within safe daily limits.

Yes, to make soursop tea, you typically boil fresh or dried soursop leaves in water. A common method is to simmer the leaves for 5-10 minutes, then steep, strain, and drink.

Dried soursop leaves are often considered more potent than fresh leaves, so a smaller quantity is needed to achieve a similar strength. However, the choice is based on availability and personal preference.