What are the side effects of cardamom tea?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

While cardamom is widely celebrated for its health benefits, research shows that excessive intake can lead to adverse reactions. It is crucial to understand what are the side effects of cardamom tea, as overconsumption can trigger issues ranging from allergic reactions to significant drug interactions.

Quick Summary

Excessive consumption of cardamom tea can cause gastrointestinal distress, allergic reactions, and complicate pre-existing conditions like gallstones and low blood pressure. It may also interact negatively with certain medications, including blood thinners and antidepressants.

Key Points

Allergic Reactions: Excessive cardamom tea can cause allergic symptoms like skin rashes, itching, and swelling in some individuals.
Digestive Distress: Overconsumption may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.
Drug Interactions: Cardamom can interact with medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and those processed by the liver, increasing health risks.
Gallstone Risks: Individuals with gallstones should avoid large quantities of cardamom tea, as it can trigger painful gallbladder spasms.
Contraindications: Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with pre-existing conditions like hypotension or gallstones should exercise caution or avoid it entirely.
Moderation is Key: Consuming cardamom tea in moderate, culinary amounts is generally safe for most, but excessive intake is associated with the highest risk of side effects.

Understanding Cardamom Tea and its Safety

Cardamom tea, an aromatic beverage derived from the seeds of the cardamom plant, is a popular staple in many cultures, appreciated for its warm flavor and potential health benefits. When consumed in moderation as a food spice, it is generally considered safe for most people. However, like many potent herbs, excessive consumption or certain pre-existing health conditions can lead to adverse effects. The key to enjoying cardamom tea safely is understanding its potential risks and how they might apply to your personal health profile. Always consult a healthcare professional before using cardamom in medicinal quantities or as a daily supplement, especially if you are on medication or have chronic health issues.

Common Side Effects of Excessive Cardamom Tea

Gastrointestinal Issues

Cardamom tea is often touted for its ability to aid digestion, but too much of a good thing can have the opposite effect. Consuming large quantities of the spice can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to uncomfortable side effects.

Common gastrointestinal symptoms include:

Heartburn and acid reflux
Bloating and gas
Nausea and stomach upset
Diarrhea

Allergic Reactions

For some individuals, cardamom can trigger an allergic reaction. While rare, these reactions can range from mild to severe. If you have known allergies to plants in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), you should be particularly cautious.

Allergy symptoms may include:

Skin rashes and hives
Itching or swelling of the mouth and throat
Breathing difficulties or coughing
In severe cases, anaphylaxis

Impact on Blood Pressure

Cardamom possesses natural diuretic properties that can help lower blood pressure. This can be beneficial for some, but dangerous for others. Individuals who already have low blood pressure (hypotension) or are on medication to lower their blood pressure should be careful. Excessive intake could cause blood pressure to drop too low, leading to dizziness or fainting.

Potential Liver Complications

Cardamom can interact with the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which is responsible for processing many medications. Overconsumption could potentially affect liver function, especially when combined with other drugs. It is crucial to be aware of this interaction if you have existing liver conditions or are taking medications that are processed by the liver.

Risk for Individuals with Gallstones

People with a history of gallstones should avoid consuming large amounts of cardamom tea. The spice may trigger painful gallbladder spasms by stimulating muscle contractions in the gallbladder. This contraindication is a serious consideration for those with this condition.

Comparison of Cardamom Tea Risks


Condition / Factor	Low to Moderate Consumption	High or Excessive Consumption
Healthy Individuals	Generally safe; few to no adverse effects.	Increased risk of gastrointestinal issues, potential allergies, and discomfort.
Individuals on Medication	Safe in food quantities; consult doctor for tea.	High risk of dangerous drug interactions (e.g., with blood thinners, antidepressants).
Gallstone Sufferers	Avoid larger quantities or tea.	High risk of triggering painful gallbladder spasms.
Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women	Caution advised; stick to food quantities.	Lack of reliable safety data; possible risk of uterine stimulation.
Hypotensive Individuals	Consult doctor before regular use.	High risk of blood pressure dropping too low, causing dizziness or fainting.

Important Drug Interactions to Monitor

Cardamom's chemical composition can interfere with various prescription and over-the-counter medications. The following are some of the most significant interactions identified in research:

Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants): Cardamom has blood-thinning properties and can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with drugs like warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin.
Antidepressants: Some studies suggest a potential interaction with certain antidepressants, though more research is needed.
Liver-Processed Medications: Since cardamom is metabolized by the liver, it can affect the efficacy or safety of drugs processed by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which includes various medications for conditions like seizures, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Anesthesia: Cardamom might slow down the central nervous system, potentially affecting the effectiveness of anesthesia during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop using cardamom at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Who Should Avoid Cardamom Tea?

Certain groups should be particularly cautious or completely avoid consuming cardamom tea in medicinal quantities:

Individuals with known allergies to cardamom or other ginger-family plants.
People with a history of gallstones or biliary obstruction.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, due to insufficient safety data and the potential for uterine stimulation in high doses.
Anyone on medication, especially blood thinners, antidepressants, or drugs that affect blood pressure, without prior medical consultation.
Those with existing low blood pressure conditions.

Conclusion

While a delicious and aromatic spice, cardamom tea is not without potential side effects, particularly when consumed in large, therapeutic amounts. Common issues include gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions, but more serious risks involve drug interactions, complications for individuals with gallstones, and potential problems during pregnancy. Moderation is key to enjoying this herbal beverage safely. Always seek professional medical advice before integrating cardamom tea into your daily routine, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medication. A doctor can help you determine a safe intake level and ensure no complications will arise. For more detailed information on drug interactions, consult a reliable medical resource like WebMD.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy individuals, drinking cardamom tea daily in moderation is safe. However, excessive daily consumption can increase the risk of side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions.

Individuals with a history of gallstones, known allergies to cardamom, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with low blood pressure, and those taking certain medications like blood thinners should avoid or consult a doctor before consuming cardamom tea in medicinal amounts.

When consumed in medicinal quantities, some traditional claims and studies suggest cardamom can aid kidney function through its diuretic properties. However, excessive intake can potentially affect kidney function, especially if a person is also on diuretic medication.

Yes, cardamom can interact with several medications, including blood thinners (like warfarin), antidepressants, and drugs processed by the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Always consult a healthcare provider if you are taking any medication.

Symptoms of a cardamom allergy can include skin rashes, itching, hives, swelling, or respiratory issues like coughing and difficulty breathing. In rare and severe cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis.

It is best to avoid cardamom tea in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is insufficient reliable information on its safety in these cases, and some concerns exist about its potential to stimulate the uterus.

Yes, cardamom can act as a natural diuretic and potentially lower blood pressure. This could be problematic for individuals with low blood pressure, as it might cause their blood pressure to drop too low, resulting in dizziness.

Drinking too much cardamom tea can lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal upset (heartburn, diarrhea), allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, dizziness due to lowered blood pressure, and complications for people with gallstones.