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Azerbaijan: local drinks and tea

In Azerbaijan, tea is the centre of the table, served with compote, sherbet, ayran and herbal teas. Much of this can continue during treatment if you know a few rules.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, an armudu glass of amber tea on a saucer with a slice of lemon.
Figure 1.Tea is the centre of the Azerbaijani table.

01Short answer

Black tea brewed with freshly boiled water is usually safe; wash the lemon slice well. Homemade compote is fine because it is boiled. Make ayran only from pasteurised qatiq. Herbal teas (thyme, mint, rosehip and others) and “folk” drinks can interact with medicines — agree them with your doctor first. Alcohol is usually not recommended during treatment. Drinking enough fluid matters.

02Simple explanation

Tea made with freshly boiled water is a good choice.

Home-boiled compote is fine.

Herbal teas — ask your doctor first.

03Scientific explanation

Herbs: according to the US NIH’s NCCIH, some herbal products can strengthen or weaken the effect of medicines.

Water: according to the WHO, boiling is a reliable way to kill germs in water.

04What happens in the body?

Tea

Black tea is brewed with freshly boiled water and served in a clean glass. If your blood sugar runs high, talk to your doctor about sweet tea and jam.

Compote, sherbet, ayran

Boiled compote is fine. Sherbet should be made with clean boiled water. Ayran only from pasteurised qatiq. Market juices and street drinks are risky during neutropenia.

On a dark navy background, two rows of glasses: tea, compote and water in front; a milk jug and a cloudy homemade drink behind.
Figure 3.Some drinks are good choices; ask about others.

Water

Water for tea and drinks should be freshly boiled or bottled. See the “Water” chapter.

On a dark navy background, a kettle at a rolling boil on a stove, steam rising.
Figure 2.Water for tea should be freshly boiled.

05Safe tea

From water to glass.

Water — Use fresh water.1WaterUse fresh water.
Brew — With boiling water.2BrewWith boiling water.
Serve — In a clean glass.3ServeIn a clean glass.
Herbs — Ask your doctor first.4HerbsAsk your doctor first.
Tradition staysTea time continues.
SafetyThe water is boiled.
FluidsThe body gets enough.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
TeaBlack tea is brewed with freshly boiled water and served in a clean glass. If your blood sugar runs high, talk to your doctor about sweet tea and jam.
Compote, sherbet, ayranBoiled compote is fine. Sherbet should be made with clean boiled water. Ayran only from pasteurised qatiq. Market juices and street drinks are risky during neutropenia.
WaterWater for tea and drinks should be freshly boiled or bottled. See the “Water” chapter.

07Key terms

Armudu
A pear-shaped tea glass.
Compote
A drink boiled with fruit.
Ayran
Qatiq (yoghurt) diluted with water.
Interaction
A herb changing how a medicine works.

08Key points

  • Freshly boiled water for tea.
  • Compote is boiled.
  • Ayran from pasteurised qatiq.
  • Agree herbal teas with your doctor.
  • Drink enough.

09Frequently asked questions

Is green tea okay?

In normal amounts it often is, but ask your doctor about interactions with your medicines.

Can I drink thyme tea?

Agree any herbal tea with your haematologist first.

How much should I drink a day?

It is individual; your team will tell you what suits you.

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. Is green tea okay?

  2. Can I drink thyme tea?

  3. How much should I drink a day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. FoodSafety.gov (U.S.). Food Safety for People with Cancer
  2. World Health Organization (WHO). Drinking-water — fact sheet
  3. NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health). Herbs at a Glance
  4. NHS. What is PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)?
  5. Food Standards Agency. Official website
  6. Drinking Water Inspectorate. Official website
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How to Make Water Safe in an Emergency
  8. GOV.UK. Disability rights: employment
  9. NHS. NHS 111 online
  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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