BOSTON, Aug. 29, 2025
Your Cup of Tea Might Clash With Your Prednisone
Always consult your doctor about potential interactions between prednisone and your preferred teas.
When you’re prescribed prednisone, a powerful corticosteroid used for conditions like severe allergies, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and lupus, it’s crucial to discuss all your dietary habits with your doctor. This includes the teas you regularly sip. Some brews can either diminish prednisone’s effectiveness or trigger concerning reactions when mixed with the drug.
What teas should you be mindful of?
Prednisone: A quick overview
Prednisone belongs to the corticosteroid family. It works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Potentially problematic teas
Certain botanical products and their teas can interfere with corticosteroids. For instance, ginseng and corticosteroids are warned against due to possible interactions, according to the Merck Manual. Echinacea may interact with steroids like prednisone, notes the Cleveland Clinic. The Arthritis Foundation cautions against using cat’s claw with any immune-suppressing drugs, including prednisone.
Similarly, astragalus may interact with immune-suppressing drugs, and interactions between corticosteroids and licorice root have been reported, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
The St. John’s Wort warning
MedlinePlus reports that St. John’s Wort can interact with prednisone. It is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking St. John’s Wort before starting prednisone.
Traditional teas: Generally safe, but watch the caffeine
Black, oolong, and green teas, all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, are not known to interact with prednisone. The type of tea depends on how the leaves are processed.
However, these traditional teas contain caffeine. Insomnia and anxiety are known side effects of caffeine, as noted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These same effects can also be side effects of prednisone, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Consider limiting caffeine
Due to the shared potential side effects, you might want to limit your caffeine intake while on prednisone. Always check the labels of herbal teas for hidden regular tea or other caffeine sources.
General recommendations for safe sipping
Everyone reacts differently to substances, both individually and in combination. If you’ve been prescribed prednisone, talk to your physician about all the teas and supplements you consume regularly.
Your doctor can identify any potential interactions between these products and prednisone. It’s always best to ask about specific herbal and traditional teas, even those with a reputation for mild effects.
When purchasing tea blends, carefully review all listed ingredients. Never start new herbal teas or dietary supplements while taking prednisone without first consulting your doctor.
