Berberine tea is a natural homeopathic drink made from the dried roots of plants rich in berberine, a potent phytonutrient that has gained the attention of medical researchers worldwide.
Evidence suggests that berberine may support healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels, promote cardiovascular wellness, and help maintain metabolic balance.
Let’s look at the potential health benefits of berberine tea and find out why drinking berberine tea may be a beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle.
What is berberine tea?
Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in several plants, including barberry, goldenseal, tree turmeric, and Oregon grape.
Because berberine-containing plants aren’t commonly used for culinary purposes in Western cultures, dietary sources of berberine are limited.
However, berberine is widely available in the form of tea, capsules, tinctures, and topical ointments.
Most berberine tea is made from the roots of the barberry shrub, also known as Berberis vulgaris. It can be consumed hot or cold and typically is served with lemon, cinnamon, or ginger to enhance its slightly bitter taste.
Berberine is an alkaloid phytochemical–a defensive compound that protects the plant by repelling herbivores, microbes, and pests and promotes self-healing, growth, and development.
Many of these alkaloid plant compounds also profoundly impact human physiology, which may explain why berberine has traditionally been used to support general health and well-being across various cultures for centuries.
Watch the video below to learn about the amazing benefits of berberine.
Seven benefits of berberine tea
Berberine-containing remedies have a long history in traditional Chinese medicine and were frequently used to support circulatory health, microbial balance, healthy blood sugar levels, and overall wellness.
A study published in Phytotherapy Research highlighted that berberine could have numerous health benefits. Researchers found that berberine may positively influence blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, body composition, immune responses, and microbial balance.1
Here are seven incredible health benefits of berberine.
1. Blood sugar support
“Berberine is most well-known for supporting metabolic health,” explains Dr. Berg. “By increasing the number of insulin receptors on cell membranes, berberine can promote insulin sensitivity and healthy blood sugar levels.”
A study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity reported that berberine demonstrated effects comparable to conventional strategies used for supporting metabolic function.2
This suggests that drinking berberine tea may be a helpful way to support normal blood sugar regulation.
2. Weight loss
While berberine isn’t a miracle cure for weight loss, research suggests it may help support healthy weight management by promoting normal metabolic function.
Berberine increases the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a crucial enzyme that plays a fundamental role in regulating energy metabolism.
Due to its AMPK-activating properties, berberine may help enhance fat oxidation and inhibit fat synthesis, meaning it can help speed up fat burning and slow fat storage, which can help decrease the body mass index of overweight individuals.
3. Promotes balanced inflammatory responses
While inflammation is a normal physiological response to injury and infections, long-term immune overactivity may negatively affect overall health.
Berberine has been found to support a healthy inflammatory response by modulating the production of signaling molecules such as cytokines and interleukins, which play key roles in immune activation.
By influencing these proinflammatory compounds, berberine supports immune balance and cellular protection.
4. Cardiovascular health
Berberine may support heart health and healthy blood vessel function by inhibiting specific potassium channels and helping to balance intracellular calcium levels, which are vital for regulating heart muscle contractions.
Berberine’s support for metabolic function may also contribute to cardiovascular wellness by helping maintain balanced lipid levels, healthy blood pressure, and normal vascular function.
5. Anti-microbial
Berberine has traditionally been valued for supporting microbial balance in the body.
Research published in Frontiers of Microbiology found that berberine can inhibit the growth and replication of microbes by interfering with their cellular functioning, inhibiting DNA replication, and disrupting cell membranes.3
In addition, berberine supports the body’s natural defenses against viral challenges by influencing viral replication mechanisms.
6. Immune system support
Berberine may support healthy immune function by influencing key immune cells and promoting microbial balance in the body.
Berberine has been shown to support the activity of macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells–important immune cells involved in maintaining immune surveillance and balanced inflammatory responses.
Berberine also supports a balanced intestinal microflora by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
Because most of your immune system is housed in the gut, supporting gut microbial diversity plays a vital role in maintaining immune health.
7. Longevity
Berberine has been studied for its potential to support healthy aging and cellular vitality by activating AMPK, an enzyme that promotes cellular energy metabolism and helps maintain DNA integrity.
Its positive influence on metabolic health may also play a role in promoting longevity by supporting energy balance, cellular repair processes, and overall physiological resilience as the body ages.
Berberine side effects and dosage
Berberine tea is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, some individuals are sensitive to berberine or other compounds in berberine tea and can develop allergic reactions.
If you develop symptoms including itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after consuming berberine, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
In addition, drinking berberine may cause gastrointestinal upset, and it’s recommended to drink berberine tea with food to help lower the risk of nausea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
Berberine tea can vary in potency, and it may be best to start with one cup per day and gradually increase your intake to a maximum of three cups per day.
Who shouldn’t drink berberine tea?
The safety of berberine during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn’t been adequately studied, and it’s recommended that mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those who are planning to conceive, avoid berberine-containing products.
Berberine has been found to modulate liver function enzymes, which can alter the detoxification and metabolism of certain pharmaceutical compounds.
If you are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood thinners, or medications to improve insulin sensitivity or blood lipids, it’s essential to discuss berberine with your healthcare provider.
In addition, berberine may lower HbA1C, a measure of average blood sugar levels, and berberine supplementation in combination with blood-sugar-lowering drugs can result in dangerously low blood sugar levels, also known as hypoglycemia.
How to make berberine tea
Berberine tea is traditionally made by steeping dried roots of the barberry plant in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.
However, barberry root isn’t always readily available, and berberine tea bags are an excellent alternative. Follow the berberine tea instructions and let the tea bag steep in hot water until it reaches the desired strength.
You can add lemon, ginger, or cinnamon to mask berberine’s slightly bitter taste and use stevia or monk fruit to sweeten the tea if desired.
Key takeaways
Berberine possesses profound health-promoting properties that help promote metabolic function, immune balance, gut health, and overall wellness.
Because of berberine’s impressive health benefits, berberine supplements and berberine teas are readily available and may be particularly beneficial for individuals aiming to support their metabolic health.
If you are considering using berberine tea to promote a healthy body, it’s best to start with one cup daily and slowly increase your intake to three cups daily to avoid side effects.
FAQ
What is berberine?
Berberine is a potent alkaloid phytochemical that’s found in plants of the Berberidaceae family, such as barberry, goldenseal, tree turmeric, and Oregon grape.
Berberine helps protect plants from microbial infections and stimulates self-repair, and has been found to support various human biological functions, including metabolic and cellular health.
What is berberine tea?
Berberine tea is a herbal beverage typically made from the dried roots of the barberry bush. It’s yellowish in color and typically has a bitter taste, which explains why most people add lemon, ginger, or cinnamon to enhance its flavor.
Berberine-containing teas have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices to support general well-being and balance
What is berberine tea good for?
Berberine offers a wide range of potential health benefits. It has been shown to support metabolic function, immune defenses, microbial balance, cellular health, energy metabolism, and promote overall vitality.
Is there a downside to taking berberine?
Berberine tea is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. When you first take berberine, it’s best to start with a small amount and observe how your body responds.
What is the best way to take berberine?
Berberine-containing plants aren’t typically consumed in Western cultures, and berberine supplements or berberine teas are widely available and a convenient way to take this phytonutrient.
What does berberine do for the body?
Berberine has been found to support immune balance, metabolic function, and cellular energy regulation.
It’s also studied for its role in maintaining microbial balance and promoting overall physiological resilience.
Are berberine and turmeric the same thing?
No, berberine and turmeric aren’t the same thing. They’re distinctly different compounds derived from different plants. Berberine is found in plants of the Berberis species, whereas turmeric is derived from the root of the Curcuma plant.
Can I have berberine on keto?
Yes, you can have berberine on keto as it doesn’t contain carbohydrates and won’t interfere with ketosis.
Can I drink berberine tea while fasting?
Berberine tea doesn’t contain calories and won’t break your fast. However, drinking berberine tea on an empty stomach can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or bloating, and it’s generally recommended to consume berberine tea in combination with food.
Does berberine tea help with weight loss?
Yes, berberine has been linked to weight loss. Berberine stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase, a crucial enzyme that promotes fat breakdown and inhibits fat storage, which can help support healthy weight management and metabolic balance.
How do I make berberine tea?
Berberine tea is traditionally made by steeping the dried roots of barberry plants for 10 to 15 minutes in hot water.
Because dried barberry root can be challenging to find in Western parts of the world, using berberine tea bags or dissolving one teaspoon of dried berberine powder in hot water is an excellent alternative.
Who should avoid berberine?
Berberine should be avoided by individuals who are allergic to plants of the Berberis family. In addition, berberine has been found to interact with certain prescription drugs, such as blood sugar-lowering medications, statins, blood thinners, and anti-hypertensive drugs.
Can I have berberine tea while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women–and those planning to conceive–should avoid berberine-containing products, as the safety of berberine during pregnancy and lactation has not been adequately studied.
