How much soursop leaves tea per day for safe and effective use?

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

While soursop has been used traditionally for centuries, determining the right daily dosage for soursop leaves tea is crucial for safety and efficacy. Health experts generally advise a moderate approach, with a cycle of use recommended to mitigate potential risks associated with long-term consumption.

Quick Summary

The safe daily intake of soursop tea is typically 1 to 3 cups, with most sources suggesting starting with a lower amount to gauge personal tolerance. It is strongly recommended to consume the tea in cycles, such as 30 days on followed by a 10-day break, to reduce the risk of potential side effects.

Key Points

Moderate Intake: The recommended daily dosage for soursop leaves tea is typically 1 to 3 cups.
Start Slowly: Begin with one cup per day and observe how your body reacts before increasing the amount.
Cycle Your Consumption: To mitigate long-term health risks, consume the tea in cycles, such as 30 days on and 10 days off.
Beware of Neurotoxicity: Excessive, long-term consumption has been linked to nerve damage and Parkinson's-like symptoms due to the compound annonacin.
Consult a Doctor: Always seek medical advice, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication for blood pressure or diabetes.

Soursop Tea: Understanding the Recommended Daily Dosage

Soursop tea, brewed from the leaves of the Annona muricata tree, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, including its rich antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. However, like many herbal remedies, the key to safe consumption lies in moderation. Health experts and suppliers typically suggest a daily intake of one to three cups for most adults. The precise amount can vary based on the strength of the tea and an individual's body size and sensitivity.

The "Start Low and Go Slow" Approach

For those new to soursop tea, starting with a single cup per day is the most prudent method. This initial period, lasting a week or two, allows you to observe how your body reacts to the tea. Soursop's effects are often not immediate and can take days or weeks to become apparent, so consistency is key. If you feel no adverse effects and wish to increase your intake, you can add a second cup. Some individuals, particularly when using stronger brews or extracts, may prefer to stick to just one cup.

The Importance of Cycling Your Intake

Chronic and excessive consumption of soursop tea has been linked to potential neurotoxicity due to a compound called annonacin, which has been associated with movement disorders similar to Parkinson's disease. To minimize this risk, many sources recommend consuming soursop tea in cycles. A common recommendation is to drink the tea daily for a period of up to 30 days, followed by a break of at least 10 days before resuming. This break allows the body to process and clear any accumulated compounds, reducing the risk of long-term side effects. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have existing health conditions.

Health Benefits of Soursop Leaves Tea

When consumed appropriately, soursop leaves tea offers several potential health benefits due to its rich composition of phytochemicals, flavonoids, and antioxidants.

Immune System Support: Rich in Vitamin C and other antioxidants, the tea can help protect cells from free radical damage and strengthen the body's immune response.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The tea contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, potentially alleviating symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
Digestive Health Aid: Its high fiber content and anti-inflammatory effects can support a healthy gut, easing issues like constipation and indigestion.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that soursop leaves may help regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Relaxation and Anxiety Reduction: Traditionally, soursop leaf tea has been used as a sedative to help promote calmness and restful sleep.

Soursop Tea Preparation Guide

Making soursop tea at home is a simple process, whether you are using fresh or dried leaves.

Rinse the soursop leaves thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
Bring water to a boil in a pot. Use approximately 3 cups of water for 5-7 dried leaves or 3-5 fresh leaves.
Add the leaves to the boiling water, reduce the heat, and simmer gently. For fresh leaves, simmer for 8-12 minutes, while dried leaves may only need 5-10 minutes of steeping.
Strain the leaves from the tea into a mug.
Sweeten with honey, sugar, or other natural sweeteners if desired, and enjoy.

Moderate vs. Excessive Soursop Tea Consumption


Aspect	Moderate, Cycled Use (1-3 cups/day)	Excessive, Long-Term Use (High doses)
Dosage	1-3 cups per day, starting with a lower amount.	High doses, more than 3 cups daily for extended periods.
Duration	Follow a cycle (e.g., 30 days on, 10 days off).	Consistent, frequent consumption over a prolonged period.
Potential Effects	Potential benefits like immune support, digestion aid, and anti-inflammatory action.	Increased risk of neurotoxicity and movement disorders (Parkinson-like symptoms).
Side Effects	Typically minimal; minor digestive upset may occur.	Severe neurological issues, liver and kidney toxicity.
Safety	Considered generally safe for most healthy adults when cycled.	Not Recommended. Carries significant health risks, especially neurological ones.

Conclusion

Determining how much soursop leaves tea to drink per day requires a balance between seeking its potential benefits and being aware of the associated risks. A consensus among many health-related sources suggests a daily intake of one to three cups, but it is imperative to begin with a low dose and monitor your body's response. The most crucial safety measure is to consume the tea in defined cycles rather than continuously for long periods. Due to the presence of neurotoxic compounds like annonacin, excessive, long-term use is strongly discouraged and has been linked to severe neurological side effects. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new herbal regimen, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications. For more information on potential risks, you can consult reliable sources like WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can drink soursop leaves tea daily, but it is strongly advised to do so in cycles, such as 30 days on followed by a 10-day break. Continuous, long-term daily use of high doses is not recommended due to potential health risks.

For a standard cup, use 1-2 mature dried leaves or 3-4 younger leaves. Adjusting the number of leaves will alter the tea's strength and flavor.

Soursop can interact with certain medications, including those for high blood pressure and diabetes. You should consult a healthcare provider before consuming soursop tea if you are taking any medication to avoid dangerous interactions.

While generally safe in moderation, excessive intake can lead to nausea, vomiting, or a drop in blood pressure. Long-term, high-dose use is linked to neurotoxicity and neurological issues resembling Parkinson's disease.

Soursop tea is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with low blood pressure, liver, or kidney disease. People with existing movement disorders should also avoid it.

Annonacin is a natural compound found in soursop that has been associated with neurological issues similar to Parkinson's disease when consumed in large amounts over a long period. This is why cycling consumption is so important.

After bringing the water to a boil, allow fresh leaves to simmer for 8-12 minutes or dried leaves to steep for 5-10 minutes for optimal results.