What Does Kuding Tea Do to Your Body? A Comprehensive Guide

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), kuding tea is known for its ability to clear "wind-heat," disperse toxins, and improve digestion. While its famously bitter taste is an acquired one, the long-revered herbal infusion from the holly species Ilex or wax tree species Ligustrum has been studied for its significant effects on the body.

Quick Summary

Kuding tea is a Chinese bitter herbal infusion known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with some studies suggesting it can lower cholesterol and blood pressure. However, it may pose risks, particularly to the liver in high doses, and is contraindicated for certain individuals.

Key Points

Lowers Cholesterol: Kuding tea has been shown to reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C, likely due to its saponin and polyphenol content.
Regulates Blood Pressure: Compounds in the tea help dilate blood vessels, which may assist in lowering blood pressure, making it beneficial for hypertension.
Acts as an Antioxidant: The tea is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
Reduces Inflammation: In lab and animal studies, kuding extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting inflammatory pathways.
Supports Weight Management: Some research, primarily in animals, suggests that it can help prevent weight gain by supporting metabolic function.
Assists Digestion and Detox: Traditionally used to clear toxins, it is known to aid digestion and support liver function, partly through its antioxidant effects.
Can Affect the Liver: High dietary concentrations of kuding tea extract have been shown to adversely affect liver metabolism in animal studies, emphasizing the need for moderation.

The Composition of Kuding Tea

Kuding tea, or kǔdīng chá, is a Chinese herbal infusion derived from the leaves of various plants, primarily the large-leaved holly species (Ilex kudingcha or Ilex latifolia) or the small-leaved wax tree species (Ligustrum robustum). Its distinct and profound bitterness, followed by a sweet aftertaste, is attributed to a rich profile of bioactive compounds. The primary active components include triterpene saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids (like rutin), and minerals such as manganese, zinc, and selenium. The specific composition and, therefore, the physiological effects can vary depending on the plant species used.

Kuding Tea's Impact on Cardiovascular Health

One of the most researched aspects of kuding tea is its potential effect on cardiovascular health, particularly in regulating cholesterol and blood pressure. A 2022 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials concluded that kuding tea supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in patients with metabolic disorders. This effect is attributed to the presence of saponins and polyphenols, which can help regulate lipid metabolism. In animal studies, kuding extracts have been shown to lower cholesterol by inhibiting the activity of acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) and by affecting scavenger receptors involved in lipid deposition. Its effects on blood pressure are also notable, with some studies showing a reduction in hypertension due to compounds that help dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in kuding tea is a major contributor to its traditional and studied health benefits. These properties help combat oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in the body.

Antioxidant Action: The rich presence of flavonoids and polyphenols helps to neutralize free radicals, which damage cells and contribute to aging and chronic diseases. Some studies suggest that the antioxidative effects of kuding tea are even more potent than certain supplements like vitamin C.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: In vitro and animal studies have shown that kuding extracts can inhibit inflammatory pathways, such as the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This anti-inflammatory activity may provide relief for inflammatory conditions and offers protective effects against various diseases.

Effects on Digestion and Detoxification

In TCM, kuding tea is prized for its ability to aid digestion and help the body dispel toxins. The tea's bitter compounds are thought to stimulate the digestive process. Some research supports these traditional claims, with potential benefits related to improved gut microbiota composition.

Improved Digestion: Kuding tea can help alleviate digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Its bitterness can act as a physiological reset for the digestive system.
Support for Detoxification: The tea's antioxidant content helps in detoxification by supporting liver function and the body's natural cleansing processes. Animal studies have shown that it can increase the activity of detoxifying enzymes in the liver.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

While generally safe for moderate consumption, kuding tea does have side effects and contraindications, especially at high concentrations.

Potential Side Effects of Kuding Tea

Hepatotoxicity: High concentrations of kuding tea extract have been shown in animal studies to induce hepatic fat accumulation and affect liver metabolism. The potential adverse effects on the liver, particularly from concentrated supplements, warrant caution.
Digestive Upset: The bitter nature of the tea may cause stomach upset in some individuals, particularly those with a cold constitution or chronic gastroenteritis.
Hypotension: Due to its potential to lower blood pressure, it should be avoided by individuals who already suffer from low blood pressure.
Caffeine: The caffeine content in kuding tea is minimal but present, so those sensitive to caffeine should be aware.
Pregnancy and Surgery: It is advised to avoid kuding tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should also not be consumed in the month before or after surgery.

Kuding Tea vs. Green Tea: A Comparison


Feature	Kuding Tea	Green Tea
Botanical Source	Ilex or Ligustrum species	Camellia sinensis
Taste Profile	Intensely bitter, followed by a sweet aftertaste	Grassy, vegetal, sometimes slightly bitter or sweet
Primary Bioactive Compounds	Triterpene saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids	Catechins (EGCG), flavonoids
Caffeine Content	Minimal to low, depending on the species	Moderate; significantly higher than kuding tea
Traditional Uses (TCM)	Clearing heat and toxins, improving digestion, calming spirit	Refreshing the mind, aiding digestion, acting as a diuretic
Potential Health Risks	Possible liver effects at high doses; contraindicated in pregnancy/low BP	May cause anxiety or stomach upset due to higher caffeine levels

Conclusion

Kuding tea offers a spectrum of physiological effects rooted in its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its traditional use in regulating metabolic functions. Modern scientific research, though largely based on animal and in vitro studies, supports claims related to lowering cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, and managing weight. However, the cautionary evidence regarding potential liver effects at high concentrations and specific contraindications, such as for pregnant women and those with low blood pressure, cannot be overlooked. For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption of this historically revered beverage is considered safe, though consulting a healthcare provider is always advisable before integrating it for therapeutic purposes.

Brewing Recommendations for Beginners

For those new to kuding tea, its potent bitterness can be startling. To prepare it properly and minimize the initial shock, follow these steps:

Use minimal needles: Start with just one or two kuding needles per cup and gradually increase as your palate adjusts.
Control steep time: Steep for a short duration, around 1 to 2 minutes, with water at 90°C (194°F). Oversteeping will increase the bitterness.
Multiple infusions: Kuding needles can be re-steeped several times. Subsequent infusions will be less bitter.
Balance the flavor: Add a small amount of honey, lemon, or other herbs to temper the bitterness.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary effects of kuding tea include lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and acting as an antioxidant. It is also traditionally used to aid digestion and detoxification.

For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption of kuding tea is considered safe. However, high doses may adversely affect liver metabolism, so it's important to drink in moderation. Individuals with certain health conditions or who are pregnant should avoid it.

Some animal studies suggest kuding tea can help with weight management by preventing weight gain and supporting metabolic function. However, results are mixed, and more human-based research is needed.

Kuding tea has a very distinct, potent bitterness that is often described as an acquired taste. This is followed by a surprisingly sweet, pleasant aftertaste.

Kuding tea contains only minimal amounts of caffeine, significantly less than traditional green or black tea. This makes it a suitable option for those with caffeine sensitivity.

Kuding tea should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with low blood pressure, people with chronic gastroenteritis, and those about to undergo or recovering from surgery.

To reduce its intense bitterness, use fewer tea needles (1-2 per cup) and steep for a shorter time (1-2 minutes). Subsequent infusions will be milder. Adding a little honey or lemon can also balance the flavor.