Is Spicebush Tea Good for You? Exploring the Health Benefits and Uses

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

Native American tribes and early American settlers historically used spicebush tea as a medicinal tonic for a variety of ailments, including colds, fevers, and dysentery. This warming, aromatic brew, made from the leaves, twigs, and berries of the Lindera benzoin shrub, continues to be a popular herbal remedy today. The question remains: is spicebush tea good for you, and what are its proven health benefits?

Quick Summary

Spicebush tea is a traditional herbal remedy praised for its digestive, diaphoretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically used for colds and fevers, it is rich in volatile oils that help with indigestion, gas, and body aches. The spicy, citrusy flavor can be enjoyed year-round.

Key Points

Digestive Aid: The aromatic volatile oils in spicebush act as a carminative and antispasmodic, relieving gas, bloating, and indigestion.
Diaphoretic for Cold and Flu: Historically known as "feverbush," it promotes sweating to help break fevers and ease body aches associated with illness.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Compounds within the plant may help reduce inflammation and pain, offering a potential natural treatment for conditions like arthritis.
Aromatic and Flavorful: Made from the leaves, twigs, or berries, the tea has a spicy, citrusy flavor profile often compared to chai.
Versatile Plant: All parts of the spicebush shrub can be used for tea or culinary purposes, with different parts offering varied flavor profiles.
Foraging Safety: Proper identification is crucial to avoid toxic lookalikes. Responsible foraging ensures the plant's health and sustainability.
Traditional Use: It has a long history of use by Native Americans and early settlers for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes.

What are the Proven Health Benefits of Spicebush Tea?

Spicebush tea has a rich history rooted in Native American ethnobotany and pioneer tradition, celebrated for its diverse medicinal properties. The health benefits are attributed to the volatile oils and active compounds found in its bark, twigs, leaves, and berries. While scientific research specifically on Lindera benzoin is growing, traditional uses and modern understanding provide insight into its therapeutic potential.

Digestive Health and Support

One of the most well-documented benefits of spicebush tea is its ability to support and soothe the digestive system. The aromatic volatile oils present in the plant act as a carminative and antispasmodic. This means they can help relieve:

Gas
Bloating
Stomach cramps
Indigestion

Drinking a warm cup of spicebush tea after a meal can aid in digestion and calm an upset stomach. The leaves and berries, in particular, are known to have a beneficial effect on digestion.

Relief for Colds and Fevers

Historically, spicebush tea has been known as "feverbush" due to its ability to induce perspiration. As a diaphoretic, it helps to increase sweating, which can assist the body in breaking fevers and relieving body aches associated with colds, flu, and other ailments.

It is also traditionally used to clear sinus congestion, ease coughs, and alleviate other respiratory symptoms. The warming and stimulating nature of the tea helps improve circulation, further supporting the body's natural defense mechanisms.

Anti-inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Properties

Research indicates that spicebush contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Sesquiterpene lactones and other compounds found in the plant may help reduce inflammation and pain. This makes it a potential natural remedy for conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Topically, a poultice made from crushed leaves and berries has been used to treat bruises, swellings, and painful joints.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity

Some research has highlighted the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of spicebush. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, which can cause cellular damage and contribute to chronic diseases. The antimicrobial activity suggests a potential use in combating bacterial and fungal infections.

Spicebush Tea vs. Other Herbal Teas

To understand the unique qualities of spicebush tea, it's helpful to compare it to other popular herbal brews.


Feature	Spicebush Tea	Ginger Tea	Peppermint Tea	Green Tea
Primary Use	Digestive aid, cold relief, diaphoretic	Nausea, motion sickness, inflammation	Digestive relief, headache, fresh breath	Antioxidant, metabolism boost, energy
Flavor Profile	Spicy, citrusy, warm (often compared to chai)	Pungent, spicy, warm	Cool, minty, refreshing	Earthy, grassy, sometimes bitter
Traditional Use	Native American remedy for fever, parasites, colds	Traditional remedy across many cultures for digestive issues	Widely used for indigestion and soothing stomach issues	Long history in Chinese and Japanese medicine
Active Compounds	Volatile oils, sesquiterpene lactones	Gingerol, shogaol	Menthol	Catechins (EGCG)
Caffeine	None	None	None	Contains caffeine

How to Make a Simple Spicebush Tea

Making your own spicebush tea is a straightforward process, whether you're using fresh or dried materials.

Harvesting and Preparation

Identify: Ensure you are foraging for the correct plant, Lindera benzoin, recognizable by its fragrant leaves and twigs.
Harvest: You can use the leaves, twigs, or berries. For twigs, gather younger, more pliable branches. For leaves, fresh is great, but they can also be dried. Berries are best when red and ripe.
Clean and Prepare: Wash the collected materials thoroughly. Chop or crush the leaves and twigs to release their aromatic oils.

Brewing Instructions

Boil Water: Bring one cup of water to a boil.
Add Spicebush: Add about one teaspoon of the chopped leaves, twigs, or berries to the boiling water.
Steep: Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for 5-10 minutes, or longer for a stronger flavor.
Strain and Serve: Strain out the plant material and enjoy your warm, flavorful tea.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Spicebush Tea

Based on historical use and the understanding of its chemical compounds, is spicebush tea good for you? Yes, within traditional herbalism, it is highly regarded and considered a beneficial tonic. Its primary benefits revolve around improving digestive health, relieving cold and flu symptoms, and reducing inflammation. While it should not replace medical treatment, it offers a natural, aromatic beverage for general wellness and relief from minor ailments. With a pleasant, chai-like flavor, it can be a delicious addition to your herbal tea routine. As with any herbal remedy, proper identification is crucial for safe consumption.

Sourcing and Safety Considerations

When considering spicebush tea, it is vital to source it responsibly and be aware of potential interactions.

Ethical Foraging

Identification: Foraging requires expert knowledge to correctly identify Lindera benzoin and avoid toxic lookalikes.
Sustainability: Harvest responsibly, taking only what you need and leaving plenty for the plant to thrive and for wildlife, which also depends on it.
Environmental Concerns: Be aware of foraging regulations in parks or protected areas.

Medical and Allergic Considerations

Allergies: While rare, individuals may be allergic to spicebush pollen or components. Symptoms can include sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Medications: Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding new herbal remedies to your routine, especially if you are on medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Limited research exists on the safety of spicebush tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is best to avoid it during these times or consult a doctor.

Ultimately, the use of spicebush tea is a blend of historical tradition and personal wellness practice. Its benefits are supported by centuries of anecdotal evidence and recent chemical analysis, making it a compelling option for those exploring natural, herbal options.

Herbalism Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Spicebush tea is known for its warm, spicy, and citrusy flavor profile. Some people describe it as having a mild, chai-like taste that can be enjoyed both hot and iced.

Yes, all parts of the spicebush plant, including the leaves, twigs, and berries, can be used to make tea. The berries, when ripe and red, offer a strong allspice-like flavor. The twigs can also be steeped for a pleasant, citrusy brew.

While generally considered safe, some individuals may have allergic reactions to spicebush pollen or other components of the plant. Symptoms may include sneezing, congestion, or an itchy throat. As with any herbal remedy, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those on medication should consult a doctor.

Spicebush is a native shrub identifiable by its aromatic leaves and twigs, which release a spicy, citrus-like scent when crushed. It also produces tiny yellow flowers in early spring and bright red berries in the fall.

Traditionally, spicebush tea has been used to help relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as fever, congestion, and body aches. Its diaphoretic property helps induce sweating, which can assist in breaking fevers.

Yes, the aromatic volatile oils in spicebush have carminative and antispasmodic properties. This helps to relieve digestive issues like gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.

Spicebush is native to moist woodlands and thickets throughout much of eastern North America. It often grows along streams and in the understory of forests. You can also cultivate it in a garden.