Who Should Not Take Guava Leaves Tea? Potential Risks and Side Effects

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

While lauded for potential benefits such as managing blood sugar and supporting digestion, it is important to note that the FDA has not approved guava leaf extract, and insufficient evidence exists to confirm its efficacy for many health conditions. Due to this, certain individuals should exercise caution or completely avoid guava leaves tea, particularly those with specific medical conditions or who are pregnant.

Quick Summary

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with diabetes, individuals facing surgery, and those with certain skin conditions should avoid guava leaves tea due to potential health risks and interactions with medications.

Key Points

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Avoid guava leaves tea due to a lack of safety data and potential for uterine contractions.
Diabetes Patients: Use extreme caution or avoid entirely due to the risk of dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when combined with medication.
Pre-Surgery Patients: Stop consuming guava leaves tea at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery due to an increased risk of bleeding.
Eczema Sufferers: Avoid guava leaf extract, both oral and topical, as it can cause skin irritation and worsen eczema symptoms.
Medication Users: Individuals on blood thinners like warfarin should avoid guava leaves tea because it can enhance the medication's effects and increase bleeding risk.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to a healthcare provider before using guava leaves tea, especially with pre-existing conditions or medications.
Moderation is Key: Excessive intake, even for healthy individuals, can cause digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.

Introduction to Guava Leaves Tea

Guava leaves have long been used in traditional medicine for their purported health benefits, often brewed into a tea. The leaves contain bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, that are believed to contribute to properties like blood sugar management and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the therapeutic use of herbal remedies, including guava leaves tea, is not without risk. Because they can have powerful effects on the body, it is crucial to understand the contraindications and potential side effects, especially for certain populations. Consulting a healthcare professional before incorporating any new herbal remedy is always a recommended first step.

High-Risk Groups Who Should Avoid Guava Leaves Tea

Certain individuals are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of guava leaves tea and should avoid it completely or proceed with extreme caution. The primary risks involve interactions with existing medical conditions and medications.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is a significant lack of reliable information regarding the safety of guava leaves tea for pregnant and breastfeeding women. While some traditional beliefs suggest its use for certain pregnancy-related issues, scientific data is insufficient to prove safety. Some sources even indicate that compounds in guava leaves may cause uterine contractions. Given the potential for harm to both mother and child, healthcare providers generally recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women stay on the safe side and avoid concentrated forms like herbal tea.

Diabetes and Hypoglycemia

Guava leaves tea is known for its blood sugar-lowering properties. While this may sound beneficial for people with diabetes, it poses a significant risk, particularly for those already on medication to manage their glucose levels. Taking guava leaves tea in combination with antidiabetic drugs (like glimepiride or insulin) could cause blood sugar to drop dangerously low, leading to hypoglycemia. It is vital for anyone with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar closely and consult a doctor before consuming guava leaves tea.

Upcoming Surgery

Guava has been shown to potentially increase the risk of bleeding. For individuals scheduled for surgery, this can pose a serious complication. Medical professionals recommend that people stop using guava as a medicine or supplement at least two weeks before a scheduled surgical procedure to minimize bleeding risks and prevent interference with blood sugar control during and after surgery.

Individuals with Eczema or Sensitive Skin

Some compounds in guava leaf extract can cause skin irritation. For people with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema, using guava leaf tea (either consumed or applied topically) may exacerbate symptoms, causing flare-ups, redness, and itching. This sensitivity makes it a potential irritant rather than a soothing remedy for those with chronic skin issues. Topical application is especially cautioned against in individuals with sensitive skin.

Existing Drug Interactions

Beyond diabetes medications, guava leaves may interact with other drugs. Specifically, research suggests interactions with blood thinners like warfarin. Compounds like quercetin in guava leaves can enhance the anticoagulant activity of warfarin, significantly increasing the risk of bleeding. Anyone on blood-thinning medication should consult their doctor before using guava leaves tea.

General Side Effects and Digestive Issues

Even for those not in a high-risk group, moderate consumption is key. Excessive intake of guava leaves tea can lead to unwanted side effects.

Digestive Discomfort: Too much tea can cause stomach upset, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, especially in people with sensitive stomachs.
Bloating and Gas: The high fiber and fructose content, particularly when consumed in large amounts, can cause bloating and flatulence in susceptible individuals.
Constipation: While guava fruit is known to relieve constipation, concentrated leaf extracts or excessive tea intake have been reported to cause constipation in some individuals.

Comparison: Who Is Guava Leaf Tea Suitable For?


Condition / Status	Why Caution is Needed	Who Can Use Safely (With Moderation)
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding	Lack of safety data; potential for uterine contractions.	Healthy adults without contraindications, under a doctor's guidance.
Diabetes/Hypoglycemia	Can cause dangerously low blood sugar when combined with medication.	Individuals with borderline diabetes, but require strict blood sugar monitoring.
Prior to Surgery	Can increase risk of bleeding and affect blood sugar control.	None. Avoid completely for at least two weeks before surgery.
Eczema/Sensitive Skin	Bioactive compounds may cause skin irritation and worsen flare-ups.	Individuals without known skin sensitivities.
Blood Thinners	Can enhance the anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk.	None. Avoid completely.
Digestive Issues	Overconsumption can worsen symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.	Those with normal digestion, but with caution and in moderation.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety with Guava Leaves Tea

While guava leaves tea possesses several potential health benefits, it is not a universally safe remedy. The most critical takeaway is to exercise caution, particularly if you fall into one of the identified high-risk groups. The lack of standardized research and FDA oversight means that effects can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Always consult a healthcare professional before consuming guava leaves tea, especially if you have an underlying health condition, are taking medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Responsible and informed consumption is key to avoiding unnecessary health complications. Learn more about guava's general uses and side effects on Drugs.com

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women to drink guava leaves tea. There is insufficient safety data and some evidence suggests it may cause uterine contractions. The safest approach is to avoid it entirely during this period.

People with diabetes, especially those taking medication, should use extreme caution with guava leaves tea. Its blood sugar-lowering effects can cause hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes drugs, so it is best to consult a doctor first and monitor blood sugar levels closely.

Guava leaves tea can increase the risk of bleeding and affect blood sugar control. To prevent complications during and after surgery, it is recommended to stop consuming guava leaves tea at least two weeks before a scheduled procedure.

Yes, guava leaves tea can interact with medications. A notable interaction is with blood thinners like warfarin, where it can increase the anticoagulant effect and raise the risk of bleeding. Interactions with diabetes medication are also a major concern.

Yes, for individuals with eczema or sensitive skin, guava leaf extract contains compounds that can cause skin irritation and potentially worsen the condition. It is best to avoid its use, especially when applied topically.

Overconsumption of guava leaves tea can lead to digestive issues such as nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and even constipation or diarrhea.

While generally considered safe for healthy adults in moderation, there is limited research on the long-term effects. Excessive daily intake should be avoided to prevent side effects like digestive upset, and consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for consistent use.