How to make soursop leaf tea, wash the leaves, then boil them in water for about 5 minutes before turning off the heat and steeping for another 10-15 minutes. Strain the liquid into a mug, and add a sweetener like honey if desired.
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients and equipment
Wash the soursop leaves thoroughly, whether fresh or dried. For a stronger flavor, tear or chop the leaves into smaller pieces.
Boil water in a pot. A good starting ratio is 2-3 leaves per cup (about 250ml) of water, though this can be adjusted for a stronger tea.
Step 2: Brew the tea
Add the prepared leaves to the boiling water.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Allow the leaves to simmer for about 5-15 minutes. For a stronger tea, you can steep for up to 30 minutes.
Step 3: Steep and serve
Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for another 10-15 minutes to fully extract the flavor.
Strain the liquid into a cup, discarding the leaves.
Sweeten with honey or another sweetener to taste, if desired.
Important considerations
For medicinal use: Some sources recommend a dosage of 5-7 dried leaves per liter of water, and suggest drinking no more than 3 cups per day in a cycle (e.g., 30 days on, 10 days off). Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal purposes.
Storage: If you prepare a larger batch, you can strain the liquid and refrigerate it to consume over the next 2-3 days.
Keep the leaves you don't wash or use in a glass jar sealed tight. Do not refrigerate them.
Precautions for soursop leaves
Avoid if you are pregnant or a small child: Soursop leaves are not recommended for these groups.
Be cautious if you have certain medical conditions: Do not use soursop leaves if you have liver or kidney disease, low blood pressure, or low platelet count.
Avoid if you are taking specific medications: Consult a doctor before use if you are taking anti-diabetic or blood pressure medications, as soursop can interact with them.
Potential for neurotoxicity: Some compounds in soursop, like annonacin, may cause nerve damage and movement disorders similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease, especially with high or prolonged intake.
Potential for liver and kidney damage: There is a risk of liver and kidney damage from frequent use of soursop.
Always consult a doctor: Before taking soursop leaves as a supplement or alternative therapy, talk to your doctor to understand the risks and potential interactions with your specific health needs.
Potential "said" benefits
Antioxidant properties
Immune support
Anti-inflammatory and pain relief
Digestive health
Sleep aid
Blood sugar regulation
Antimicrobial properties
Potential anticancer effects