What tea raises BP? A look at caffeine and herbal culprits

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

While many types of tea offer health benefits, research shows that certain varieties can temporarily or significantly raise blood pressure, particularly in sensitive individuals. This effect is mainly due to stimulating compounds like caffeine or herbal ingredients that mimic hormone activity in the body.

Quick Summary

Licorice tea and high-caffeine varieties like black tea can potentially raise blood pressure. The active compound glycyrrhizin in licorice and the stimulant caffeine both contribute to this effect, especially with excessive consumption or heightened sensitivity. Herbal teas like ginseng and ginkgo biloba also require caution.

Key Points

Licorice Root Tea: This herbal tea contains glycyrrhizin, which can significantly raise blood pressure by causing the body to retain sodium and water while losing potassium.
High-Caffeine Teas: Black tea, oolong, and some matcha varieties contain caffeine, a stimulant that can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.
Individual Sensitivity: Not everyone reacts to caffeine the same way. Those with hypertension or a genetic sensitivity are more likely to experience blood pressure spikes.
Potential for Interactions: Herbal teas like ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and St. John's Wort can have unpredictable effects or interact with hypertension medication.
Decaffeinated and Soothing Alternatives: Safer choices for those with high blood pressure include decaffeinated versions of tea or herbal options like hibiscus and chamomile.
Monitor Your Body: The best approach is to monitor your blood pressure before and after consuming new teas to understand your personal response.
Moderation is Key: Consuming caffeinated tea in moderation (under 400 mg daily) is generally safe for most, but excessive consumption should be avoided.

Caffeinated Teas and Their Immediate Impact on Blood Pressure

For most healthy adults, a moderate amount of caffeine from tea does not pose a long-term risk for high blood pressure. However, individuals with pre-existing hypertension or a sensitivity to caffeine may experience a temporary increase in their blood pressure after consumption. This is because caffeine acts as a stimulant, triggering a release of adrenaline and causing blood vessels to constrict.

How Caffeine Works

Constricts Blood Vessels: Caffeine blocks adenosine, a hormone that helps relax and widen blood vessels. When adenosine is inhibited, blood vessels constrict, leading to higher blood pressure.
Adrenaline Release: It prompts the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, a hormone that causes the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to rise temporarily.
Individual Sensitivity: Genetic factors influence how quickly the body metabolizes caffeine. Slow metabolizers are more likely to experience a greater blood pressure spike.

Black tea contains a significant amount of caffeine, often around 40-70 mg per 8-ounce cup, making it a potential culprit for temporary blood pressure spikes. Matcha green tea, made from the entire ground tea leaf, can have a higher caffeine content than standard green tea, and should be consumed with awareness. Oolong tea also contains caffeine levels that can affect blood pressure, though generally less than black tea.

Herbal Teas to Avoid with High Blood Pressure

Certain herbal teas, which are often mistakenly assumed to be entirely safe, contain compounds that can directly interfere with blood pressure regulation. For those managing hypertension, it is critical to identify and limit or avoid these specific varieties.

Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root tea is one of the most well-documented herbal teas that can raise blood pressure. It contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can cause the body to retain sodium and water while losing potassium. This mimics the effects of the hormone aldosterone, leading to elevated blood pressure. Even moderate, daily consumption can cause this effect in sensitive individuals, and cases of hypertensive emergencies have been reported from excessive intake.

Other Herbal Concerns

Ginseng Tea (Panax): The effect of Panax ginseng on blood pressure is inconsistent and complex, with some studies showing it can either increase or decrease blood pressure. Due to this unpredictable nature, caution is advised for individuals with hypertension.
Yohimbe Bark Tea: This herbal tea has been associated with serious side effects, including elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Its use is restricted in many countries, and it should be avoided, especially by those with heart conditions.
Ephedra (Ma huang): A strong stimulant that can significantly raise blood pressure and heart rate. It is banned in many places due to dangerous side effects.
St. John's Wort: While used for mood, this herb can interact with certain medications, including those for high blood pressure, potentially causing heart-related problems.

Comparison of Teas and Their Potential BP Impact

To help navigate your tea choices, this comparison table outlines the typical effects of common teas based on scientific findings.


Tea Type	Typical Caffeine Content (8 oz)	Potential Acute BP Effect	Potential Long-Term BP Effect	Key Components Affecting BP
Black Tea	40–70 mg	Temporary increase (especially in sensitive individuals)	May lower BP slightly with regular consumption due to antioxidants	Caffeine (increases), Flavonoids (lower)
Green Tea	20–45 mg	Less likely to cause spikes than black tea	Modest reduction in blood pressure with regular, long-term use	Catechins (lower), Caffeine (increases)
Licorice Root Tea	Caffeine-free	Significant increase with excessive use	May induce hypertension and hypokalemia	Glycyrrhizin (increases)
Ginseng Tea	Varies	Inconsistent, some potential to increase	Inconsistent; more research needed	Saponins (variable effect)
Hibiscus Tea	Caffeine-free	Little to no effect	Regular consumption may lower blood pressure	Anthocyanins, Polyphenols (lower)

Managing Tea Consumption with High Blood Pressure

For individuals with high blood pressure, the best strategy is a thoughtful and informed approach to tea consumption. The effects of tea are highly individualized, so monitoring your own body's response is key.

Monitor Your Response: Take your blood pressure before and 30-60 minutes after drinking a new or high-caffeine tea. If you notice a consistent increase, reduce your consumption or switch to a different variety.
Choose Herbal Teas Wisely: Stick to herbal teas that have a calming effect or are known to help lower blood pressure, such as chamomile or hibiscus. Always check the ingredients list to ensure there is no added licorice root or other stimulating herbs.
Opt for Decaf or Low-Caffeine: If you enjoy the flavor of caffeinated teas like black or green tea, consider switching to decaffeinated versions. The decaffeination process removes most of the caffeine while preserving many of the beneficial antioxidant compounds.
Practice Moderation: If you have a high tolerance and no adverse effects, limit your intake of caffeinated teas to moderate amounts, typically less than four cups per day.
Be Aware of Medication Interactions: Some herbs, like St. John's Wort, can have serious interactions with prescription medications for hypertension and other conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider before adding any new herbal supplement or tea to your routine.
Understand the Long-Term vs. Short-Term Effects: While caffeine can cause a temporary spike, long-term, moderate consumption of black or green tea may be associated with a slight reduction in blood pressure due to their antioxidant content. However, this is not a substitute for prescribed medical treatment.

Conclusion

In summary, while many teas are safe and beneficial for cardiovascular health, certain types can raise blood pressure, particularly in sensitive individuals or when consumed excessively. Licorice root tea is a definite culprit due to the compound glycyrrhizin, while high-caffeine teas like black and some matcha varieties can cause temporary spikes. Herbal teas like ginseng and yohimbe should be approached with caution due to their potential stimulating effects or unpredictable interactions. The key is to be an informed consumer, monitor your body’s unique reaction, and prioritize herbal options like hibiscus or decaf varieties if you are managing high blood pressure.

Mayo Clinic: Caffeine: How does it affect blood pressure?

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, excessive consumption of black tea can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure due to its caffeine content, especially in individuals with high blood pressure or a sensitivity to caffeine.

Yes, licorice root tea is particularly concerning for those with high blood pressure. It contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can cause the body to retain salt and water, leading to a rise in blood pressure.

While green tea contains caffeine, its effect is generally less pronounced than black tea. Long-term, regular consumption of green tea is often associated with a modest reduction in blood pressure due to its antioxidant properties.

Herbal teas to avoid or consume with caution include licorice root, ginseng, yohimbe, and St. John's Wort. These can either directly raise blood pressure or interfere with medication.

To determine if a tea is affecting your blood pressure, monitor your readings before and after drinking it. If you notice a consistent increase, particularly with caffeinated or licorice-based teas, you may be sensitive to its effects.

The safest options are caffeine-free herbal teas known for their relaxing properties, such as chamomile, or those shown to potentially lower blood pressure, like hibiscus. Decaffeinated true teas are also a good alternative.

Yes, the brewing time and temperature can affect caffeine extraction. Longer steeping times in hot water will result in a higher caffeine concentration, which can increase the stimulating effect on blood pressure.