Overview

Pu-erh tea is made from the rolled and dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It usually contains less caffeine than either black tea or coffee. It also contains other chemicals, such as theabrownin, which may have certain effects on the body. Although some people may drink pu-erh tea to improve overall health, its benefits for any health purposes are not well defined. Common side effects are caused by its caffeine content and include nervousness, trouble sleeping, an increased need to pee, or an upset stomach. Before drinking pu-erh tea, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is pu-erh tea used for?

Pu-erh tea is a common beverage. Although there is interest in drinking pu-erh tea to improve overall health, its benefits for this use are not well defined.

Note: Pu-erh tea is a beverage, which is regulated by the FDA. Learn more about the regulation of foods and beverages here.

How does pu-erh tea work (mechanism of action)?

Pu-erh tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. The leaves of this plant are processed in many unique ways to make a variety of popular teas. For example, green tea is made from fresh leaves that were heated right after they were picked. Oolong tea is made from partly oxidized leaves, while black tea is made from fully oxidized leaves. These different processing methods give each tea its own distinctive flavor and chemical profile. The different chemicals in each type of tea can change how it affects the body.

Pu-erh tea is made from fresh leaves that have been rolled and dried in the sun, then aged for months to years. But there are actually two different forms of pu-erh tea, each with its own flavor, color, smell, and chemical profile. Raw (or “sheng”) pu-erh is prepared from the rolled, sun-dried leaves. Ripened (or “shou”) pu-erh is fermented in addition to being rolled and sun-dried.

Both types of pu-erh tea contain caffeine, although the amount of caffeine may vary. Overall, pu-erh tea is expected to contain less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee. It may also contain less caffeine than black tea, although this can change depending on the type of pu-erh and the way it was made.

Pu-erh tea also contains chemicals that are not found in most other teas, such as theabrownin. This chemical may act as an antioxidant and also ease swelling (inflammation). Although there is interest in drinking pu-erh tea to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions, its benefits are not well understood or defined. The differences between raw and ripened pu-erh teas are also not well defined.

Herbal products, such as pu-erh tea, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific pu-erh tea product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store pu-erh tea?

You should store pu-erh tea according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of pu-erh tea?

The most common side effects of pu-erh tea are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the specific product you are using and the amount of caffeine it contains. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Increased need to pee
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Nausea or an upset stomach
• Trouble sleeping (especially if you drink pu-erh tea later in the day or close to bedtime)

There may be other side effects of pu-erh tea that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of pu-erh tea?

While less common, the most serious side effects of pu-erh tea are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pu-erh tea may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pu-erh tea and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Heart Effects. Pu-erh tea contains caffeine, which may increase your risk of certain heart effects, such as raising your heart rate, blood pressure, or causing an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). These effects are more likely with higher doses of caffeine or with an increase in the amount of caffeine you have in a day. Pu-erh tea contains less caffeine than coffee, but caffeine is found in many other common foods and drinks as well. Keep track of all of your caffeine sources to make sure you are not getting too much.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Also, call your health care provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Precautions

Who should not use pu-erh tea?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take pu-erh tea.

• Caffeine
• Camellia sinensis
• Pu-erh tea
• Theabrownin
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pu-erh tea products they stock.

What should I know about pu-erh tea before using it?

Pu-erh tea is a beverage. It may be available in tea bags, as loose-leaf tea, or in powdered form. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using.

Keep pu-erh tea out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as pu-erh tea, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific pu-erh tea can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year the leaves were harvested, and the way they were processed after harvest. If you switch to a new package or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Pu-erh tea naturally contains caffeine. However, non-soda beverages are not required to state their caffeine content. Use these products with caution, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine or you regularly drink caffeinated beverages. Too much caffeine can increase your risk for side effects.

What should I tell my health care provider before using pu-erh tea?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if pu-erh tea is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Anxiety
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Heart rhythm problems
• Heart disease
• Kidney or liver problems
• Stomach ulcers
• Tremors

Other Medicines and Supplements.Pu-erh tea may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking pu-erh tea, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how pu-erh tea could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Also, tell your health care provider how much caffeine you usually get from foods, drinks, and dietary supplements.

Breastfeeding. The caffeine in pu-erh tea passes into breast milk. Large amounts of caffeine can cause fussiness or sleeping problems in breastfed babies. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Also, tell your health care provider how much caffeine you usually get from foods, drinks, and dietary supplements.

Interactions

Does pu-erh tea interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between pu-erh tea and foods or drinks. But pu-erh tea contains caffeine, which is also found in many common foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and some protein bars). Keep track of all of your caffeine sources to make sure you are not getting too much. Too much caffeine can increase your risk of side effects.

Pu-erh tea contains caffeine, which has effects opposite to those of alcohol. When caffeine and alcohol are used together, you may feel like neither is affecting you the way it usually does. This may lead you to drink more alcohol or have more caffeine than you otherwise would, increasing your risk of side effects.

Does pu-erh tea interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before drinking pu-erh tea.

• Fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which are medicines used to treat fungal infections
• Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn
• A barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
• Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
• Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems
• Any product that contains caffeine, which is often found in medicines for reducing water weight (diuretics), staying awake, headaches, and hangover relief

Pu-erh tea contains caffeine. Many medicines may alter the blood levels of caffeine and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between pu-erh tea and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with pu-erh tea is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before drinking pu-erh tea with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much pu-erh tea?

If you or someone else has used too much pu-erh tea, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Pu-erh tea naturally contains caffeine, which may not be listed on the label. Keep track of all of your caffeine sources to make sure you are not getting too much. Too much caffeine can increase your risk of side effects.