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Questions and answers

Which tea cures?

This question often comes from love and hope. The honest answer: no tea cures leukemia.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Warm tea: comfort, not cure
Figure 1.Warm tea: comfort, not cure

01Short answer

There is no tea, herb or infusion that treats leukemia, replaces treatment or has been proven to boost its effect. Some herbs can actually interact with chemotherapy and targeted drugs, strain the liver or raise bleeding risk. A freshly made ordinary tea can be a comfort and a source of fluid, if your team allows it. Before drinking any herbal tea, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

02Simple explanation

Tea can be a comfort, but it is not a treatment.

Some herbs can change how medicines work.

03Scientific explanation

Some plant substances affect liver enzymes that break down medicines (for example CYP3A4), so drug levels can change.

A substance that affects cells in a laboratory does not always work in people and may not be safe.

04What happens in the body?

Why there is no “miracle tea”

Treatments are tested in clinical trials. No tea has shown such evidence in leukemia. Stories online may be coincidence or misinformation.

Possible risks

Some herbs increase bleeding, some strain the liver and some change drug levels. During neutropenia dried herbs may be contaminated with germs.

Herbs: ask first
Figure 2.Herbs: ask first — Which tea cures?

What you can do

Discuss your favourite drink with your team. Ordinary tea made with freshly boiled water usually causes no problems, but check the rule.

A place to ask the pharmacist
Figure 3.A place to ask the pharmacist

05Sensible steps about tea

Four steps.

Wanting to help — A natural feeling.1Wanting to helpA natural feeling.
Look at the evidence — Read reliable sources.2Look at the evidenceRead reliable sources.
Ask about interactions — Your doctor or pharmacist.3Ask about interactionsYour doctor or pharmacist.
Safe comfort — Choose an approved drink.4Safe comfortChoose an approved drink.
SafetyMedicines work as intended.
ComfortA warm drink lifts the mood.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Why there is no “miracle tea”Treatments are tested in clinical trials. No tea has shown such evidence in leukemia. Stories online may be coincidence or misinformation.
Possible risksSome herbs increase bleeding, some strain the liver and some change drug levels. During neutropenia dried herbs may be contaminated with germs.
What you can doDiscuss your favourite drink with your team. Ordinary tea made with freshly boiled water usually causes no problems, but check the rule.

07Key terms

Interaction
One substance changing how a medicine works.
Clinical trial
A study that tests a treatment in people.
Alternative treatment
An unproven method used instead of standard treatment.

08Key points

  • No tea cures leukemia.
  • Some herbs affect medicines.
  • Ordinary tea can be a comfort.
  • Ask about any herb first.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I drink green tea?

It can interact with some medicines; ask your doctor.

What about mint or chamomile?

Often fine, but your team should confirm.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I drink green tea?

  2. What about mint or chamomile?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  2. NCCIH (U.S. NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions
  4. NHS. How to wash your hands
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Stem Cell Transplants in Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). CAR T Cells: Engineering Patients’ Immune Cells to Treat Their Cancers
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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