What Kind of Tea Can Chemo Patients Drink?

November 18, 2025 •

6 min read

According to the National Cancer Institute, nausea and vomiting are among the most common and distressing side effects of chemotherapy, affecting many patients. Learning what kind of tea can chemo patients drink may offer a simple, comforting way to manage these and other challenging symptoms. Herbal and mild true teas can provide hydration, soothe the stomach, and offer a sense of calm during a difficult time.

Quick Summary

This article outlines several types of teas, including ginger, peppermint, and chamomile, that can be beneficial for managing chemotherapy-related symptoms. It details the specific benefits of each tea, important safety considerations, and preparation methods. Guidelines on which teas to avoid due to potential drug interactions are also provided.

Key Points

Soothe Nausea with Ginger and Peppermint: Ginger tea effectively combats chemotherapy-induced nausea, while peppermint tea helps relax stomach muscles to alleviate bloating and gas.
Combat Anxiety with Chamomile: The calming properties of chamomile tea can help reduce anxiety and stress, common emotional challenges during treatment.
Stay Hydrated with Mild, Flavorful Teas: When plain water is unappealing, mild lemon or fruit-based herbal teas can make hydration easier, especially with taste changes.
Use Caution with Caffeine and Certain Herbs: Avoid highly caffeinated teas and herbal supplements like green tea extract, St. John's wort, and ginseng, which can interfere with chemotherapy drugs.
Consult Your Oncologist: Always discuss new teas or supplements with your medical team to ensure they are safe and do not interact negatively with your specific treatment plan.
Focus on Safe Preparation: For patients with weakened immune systems, use filtered, boiled water and pre-packaged tea bags to minimize the risk of infection.
Adjust for Oral Health Concerns: When dealing with mouth sores, opt for lukewarm or cool teas and avoid acidic flavors to prevent further irritation.

Safe and Soothing Teas for Chemotherapy Patients

Many patients undergoing chemotherapy experience side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue, making it challenging to maintain proper nutrition and hydration. Certain types of tea, when approved by an oncology team, can provide a comforting and symptom-relieving beverage. The key is to focus on mild, caffeine-free herbal options and, for some, specific types of low-caffeine true teas, while being aware of potential drug interactions. Always consult your healthcare provider before introducing any new supplement or dietary change.

Herbal Teas for Symptom Management

Ginger Tea: For centuries, ginger has been used as a natural remedy for nausea and upset stomachs. Its active compounds, gingerol and shogaol, can help calm the digestive system and encourage gastric emptying, providing relief from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Studies have shown that ginger supplements, in specific doses, can significantly reduce nausea in chemo patients.

Peppermint Tea: The menthol in peppermint can help relax the muscles of the stomach, which can alleviate nausea, gas, and bloating. For some, even the aroma of peppermint can be soothing. Sipping on warm peppermint tea can provide comfort and aid in digestion after a meal.

Chamomile Tea: Known for its gentle, calming properties, chamomile tea can help reduce anxiety and stress, which are often heightened during cancer treatment. It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe digestive issues and promote better sleep. A 2023 systematic review noted that chamomile use was associated with reduced vomiting and improved quality of life in cancer patients.

Lemon Tea: Adding fresh lemon or a slice of citrus to a mild herbal tea can help combat taste changes and metal-like tastes often associated with chemotherapy. The refreshing, zesty flavor can make fluids more appealing and encourage consistent hydration.

White Tea: This minimally processed tea contains less caffeine than green or black tea and has a delicate flavor, making it a good choice for those who are sensitive to stronger tastes. Its high polyphenol content offers antioxidant benefits.

True Teas and Safety Precautions

While some true teas from the Camellia sinensis plant, such as green and white tea, are known for their antioxidant properties, they also contain caffeine and catechins that can sometimes interact with chemotherapy drugs. It is crucial to discuss the consumption of these teas with your medical team. For example, the catechin EGCG in green tea has been shown to block the effects of bortezomib and potentially diminish the bioavailability of sunitinib, making them less effective.

Making Tea Safe and Appealing During Chemo

Brew Weak Tea: If you are sensitive to smells and tastes, brewing a weak tea or steeping for a shorter time can be more tolerable.
Adjust Temperature: Some patients find cool or iced teas more soothing for mouth sores and sensitive palates. For others with cold sensitivity from certain chemo drugs, warm or room-temperature tea is better.
Add Flavor: Sweeten tea with a small amount of honey (ensure it's pasteurized if immunocompromised) or mix with fruit juices to improve the taste.
Stay Hydrated: Sip on fluids throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once to prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Comparison of Teas for Chemotherapy Side Effects


Tea Type	Primary Benefit for Chemo Patients	Side Effect Target	Potential Precautions
Ginger Tea	Powerful anti-nausea properties	Nausea, upset stomach, poor appetite	May act as a blood thinner, consult oncologist, avoid excessive amounts
Peppermint Tea	Soothes digestive muscles, calms stomach	Nausea, bloating, gas, indigestion	Some find it worsens acid reflux; use in moderation
Chamomile Tea	Calming, promotes relaxation, mild anti-inflammatory	Anxiety, insomnia, stomach discomfort	Belongs to the daisy family; avoid if allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums
Lemon Tea	Refreshing, improves taste perception	Nausea, metallic taste, dehydration	Use caution with sore mouth, high acid content
Green Tea	Antioxidant properties, potential immune support	Fatigue, inflammation (low caffeine)	Can interact with certain chemo drugs (e.g., bortezomib, sunitinib); requires oncologist approval
White Tea	Mild flavor, low caffeine	General comfort, hydration	Lower caffeine but still present; consult for drug interactions

Teas to Avoid During Chemotherapy

Certain herbal and true teas should be avoided during chemotherapy because they can interfere with treatment effectiveness or pose safety risks. The National Cancer Institute lists supplements that can negatively affect chemotherapy drug metabolism.

Highly Caffeinated Teas: Black tea and some oolong teas have higher caffeine levels, which can cause dehydration, anxiety, and sleeplessness, exacerbating common chemo side effects. Excessive caffeine can also interfere with sleep patterns, which are often disrupted during treatment.
Herbal Supplements with Potential Drug Interactions: Teas containing potent herbal ingredients, such as St. John's wort, echinacea, ginkgo, and ginseng, must be avoided. These can alter the metabolism of chemotherapy drugs, potentially making them less effective or increasing side effects.
Graviola (Soursop) Tea: Though sometimes touted for anti-cancer properties, graviola can be toxic and has been linked to nerve damage. It is not a scientifically backed treatment for cancer.
Unpasteurized Teas or Herbs: For patients with a compromised immune system (neutropenia), it is safest to avoid unpasteurized or loose-leaf teas that may harbor bacteria. Stick to properly processed bagged teas or ensure fresh herbs are thoroughly washed and scalded.

Conclusion

For chemotherapy patients, drinking the right kind of tea can provide much-needed comfort and relief from common side effects. Mild herbal options like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile are often well-tolerated and can help with nausea, anxiety, and sleep issues. However, it is essential to proceed with caution, especially regarding green tea and other potent herbal preparations, due to potential drug interactions. Always consult your oncology team before adding any tea to your regimen to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific treatment plan. By making informed choices, patients can use tea as a gentle, soothing tool on their cancer journey.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or oncology team before making any changes to your diet or health regimen during cancer treatment. Never use teas or supplements to replace prescribed anti-nausea medications or other therapies.

Safe Handling and Preparation for Patients with Weakened Immune Systems

Patients undergoing chemotherapy are often at risk for infection due to a weakened immune system, a condition known as neutropenia. To minimize this risk, it is important to practice safe handling and preparation when making tea. Use clean utensils and freshly boiled, filtered water. Opt for pre-packaged, pasteurized tea bags instead of bulk, loose-leaf herbs, which can sometimes carry bacteria. Ensure any fresh ingredients, like ginger or lemon, are thoroughly washed before use. For an extra layer of caution, brew with water that has reached a full boil.

The Role of Tea in Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated is vital during chemotherapy, particularly when experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Sipping on clear, cool liquids is often recommended. Mild herbal teas can be a palatable alternative to plain water, especially for those with an altered sense of taste. Adding a small amount of fruit juice to a weak tea can also help boost flavor and calorie intake when appetite is low. Experiment with different mild options, such as hibiscus or fruit-based herbal blends, to find what works best.

Using Tea for Oral Health During Treatment

Chemotherapy can lead to oral mucositis, or mouth sores, making eating and drinking painful. In such cases, the temperature and type of tea are important. Cool or lukewarm tea can be more comfortable than hot tea. Avoiding acidic or citrus-heavy teas is also wise, as they can cause further irritation. Chamomile has shown some promise in studies for reducing oral mucositis, often in the form of a mouthwash or topical gel, but patients should seek their doctor's guidance before using it in this way. Simple, weak tea is often the safest bet for hydration without irritation.

Consulting Your Healthcare Team

Before incorporating any new tea, it is essential to have an open conversation with your healthcare team. This includes oncologists, dietitians, and nurses. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific chemotherapy drugs, side effects, and overall health. Be transparent about all supplements and natural remedies you are considering. Your care team can help you navigate potentially harmful interactions and ensure your choices align with your treatment goals.

Visit the National Cancer Institute for comprehensive resources on diet and nutrition during cancer treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Green tea is generally not recommended for chemotherapy patients without explicit approval from an oncologist. It contains catechins that can interact negatively with certain chemotherapy drugs, such as bortezomib and sunitinib, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

Ginger tea is widely considered one of the best for nausea relief, with clinical studies showing its effectiveness in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Peppermint tea can also be very soothing for an upset stomach.

Many herbal teas, such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile, are generally safe for chemo patients. However, it is crucial to avoid teas containing potent herbal supplements like St. John's wort, ginkgo, or ginseng, which can interfere with medication.

For dry mouth or mouth sores, try mild, weak teas like lukewarm chamomile or a simple fruit-flavored herbal tea. Avoid acidic teas like citrus and ensure the temperature is comfortable to prevent irritation.

Black tea contains significant caffeine, which can exacerbate fatigue and dehydration, common chemo side effects. It is generally best to opt for caffeine-free alternatives like herbal teas. If a patient is accustomed to black tea, a very weak brew with oncologist approval may be considered, but it’s often best to avoid it.

Chamomile tea is well-regarded for its calming properties and is often used to help reduce anxiety and stress, promoting relaxation and better sleep during treatment.

For patients with neutropenia, use pre-packaged, pasteurized tea bags and boil filtered water thoroughly. Ensure all preparation surfaces and utensils are clean. Avoid loose-leaf teas that may carry a higher risk of bacteria.