Herbal teas · Yado Market Blog
What Is Soursop Tea Good For? How to Make Soursop Leaf Tea
Soursop leaf tea has been brewed across the Caribbean, West Africa and Latin America for generations. Here's what people traditionally drink it for, what the research actually shows, how to make it, and who should skip it.
By the Yado African & Caribbean Market team · Updated September 2026 · 7 min read
The quick answer
Soursop tea is a traditional herbal tea made from the leaves of the soursop tree (Annona muricata). In traditional medicine it's used for symptoms linked to inflammation and infection, and many people drink it to relax or support digestion. Lab and animal studies are promising, but there is little research in humans, so it's best enjoyed as an occasional traditional tea, not a treatment.
What Is Soursop Leaf Tea?
Soursop, also called graviola or guanábana, is a tropical evergreen tree that grows in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. It's best known for its large, spiky green fruit with sweet, creamy white flesh.
The leaves are glossy, dark green and slightly fragrant. Dried and steeped in hot water, they make a mild, earthy tea that's a household staple in Jamaica, Trinidad, Nigeria, Ghana and across the diaspora. At Yado Market, dried soursop leaf is one of our most-requested herbal products.
Soursop leaf tea is different from soursop bitters. The tea is simply leaves steeped in water, while bitters are concentrated herbal tonics that usually blend soursop with other herbs and roots. If you're curious about bitters, read our guide: What Are Soursop Bitters Good For?
Read: What Are Soursop Bitters Good For?Traditional uses & research
What Is Soursop Tea Good For?
Soursop leaf has a long history in traditional medicine. Below is what people traditionally use it for, paired with what scientists have actually found. Most research so far has been done in labs and on animals, so these results don't prove the same effects in people.
Inflammation & infection
Traditionally, soursop leaves and stems are used for symptoms linked to inflammation and infection. In animal studies, soursop extracts showed anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, and leaf extracts have shown antimicrobial activity in the lab.
Relaxation & rest
Herbal practitioners have long used soursop as a calming, sedative herb. Many families drink a warm cup in the evening to unwind. There are no solid human studies on soursop and sleep, so think of this as a comforting tradition rather than a proven sleep aid.
Stomach & digestion
In folk medicine, soursop leaves are used for stomach complaints, fever and parasites. Animal research has also looked at anti-ulcer effects. Evidence in humans is still limited.
Antioxidants
Much of soursop's reputation comes from its antioxidant compounds, which lab studies have measured in the leaves and fruit. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage, but how much a cup of tea delivers in the body isn't well studied.
Blood sugar & blood pressure
In animal studies, soursop lowered both blood sugar and blood pressure. That sounds promising, but it also means soursop could add to the effect of diabetes or blood pressure medicine. If you take either, talk to your doctor before drinking it.
What about cancer?
You'll see many online claims that soursop fights cancer. Lab studies on cancer cells exist, but clinical evidence in people is lacking. Soursop tea is not a cancer treatment, and it should never replace care from your doctor.
Step by step
How to Make Soursop Leaf Tea
This is a simple, traditional way to brew soursop leaves at home. If your leaves come with package directions, follow those first.
You'll need: 4–6 dried soursop leaves (or 2–3 fresh leaves), about 3 cups of water, a small pot with a lid, a strainer, and honey, lime or fresh ginger if you like.
1
Rinse the leaves
Rinse the dried leaves under cool water to remove any dust. Tear large leaves in half so they release more flavor.
2
Bring water to a boil
Bring about 3 cups of water to a boil in a small pot.
3
Simmer the leaves
Add the leaves, lower the heat and let them simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. The water will turn a light golden-brown.
4
Cover and steep
Turn off the heat, cover the pot and let the tea steep for another 5 minutes.
5
Strain and serve
Strain into a mug. Soursop tea tastes mild and earthy, so many people add a little honey, a squeeze of lime or a slice of ginger. It's also nice chilled over ice.
Tip
Keep it occasional
Enjoy soursop tea as an occasional cup rather than a daily, long-term habit. See the safety section below for why.
Read before you brew
Is Soursop Tea Safe? Who Should Avoid It
Most people enjoy an occasional cup of soursop tea without trouble. But because it's a strong plant, it's worth knowing the cautions.
Talk to your doctor first if you:
- Take medicine for diabetes or blood sugar. Soursop may lower blood sugar further.
- Take medicine for high blood pressure. Soursop may lower blood pressure further.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding. There isn't enough safety research, so it's best avoided.
- Have Parkinson's disease or another nerve or movement condition.
- Are being treated for cancer or any serious illness. Herbs can interact with treatment.
Why we recommend drinking it only occasionally
Soursop leaves and fruit contain a natural compound called annonacin. On the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, researchers found an unusually high rate of atypical parkinsonism, a movement disorder, and linked it to regular, long-term consumption of soursop fruit and leaf tea. Lab and animal studies suggest annonacin may be the cause.
France's food safety agency concluded the evidence wasn't strong enough to say soursop caused the disease, but it called for more research. Until more is known, the sensible approach is to enjoy soursop tea now and then, not every day for months at a time.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Soursop products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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Where to Buy Soursop Leaves
Yado African & Caribbean Market carries dried soursop leaf in our Chicago store at 1651 E 87th St and online, with shipping anywhere in the United States.
Angel Brand Soursop Leaf
Wild-harvested in Jamaica. An easy, affordable way to try soursop leaf tea. $4.99
Shop nowSoursop Leaves, Premium Herbal Tea
Whole dried leaves, ready to brew for a classic cup of soursop tea. $6.00
Shop now
Dried Soursop Leaf, Organic
Organic dried soursop leaves in a larger pack for regular tea drinkers. $29.99
Shop nowFAQ
Soursop Tea: Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
This article was written by the Yado Market team using the research sources below. It is general information, not medical advice.