What Teas Can You Have While on Prednisone?

Prednisone belongs to the corticosteroid family of medicines. Prednisone addresses low corticosteroid levels in the body, which for some people results in problems such as serious allergies, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, lupus and organ disorders. Some doctors also prescribe prednisone to treat complications of cancer. It's important, however, to ask your doctor about any foods or drinks, including teas, that could either make the prednisone less effective or cause a dangerous reaction when mixed with the drug.

Some herbal teas, such as ginseng, may cause a poor reaction when mixed with prednisone. (Image: Viewstock/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Problematic Teas

Some herbs, and teas made from those herbs, can interfere with drugs from the corticosteroid family of medicines. "Archives of American Medicine" warns against taking ginseng and prednisone, noting that the effects of the two can have an additive effect -- meaning a double-strength effect that can be too powerful. Because corticosteroids rely on their immunosuppressant properties for healing, it's counterproductive to drink a tea made from an immunostimulant herb, such as echinacea, notes the AAM journal. Other immunostimulant herbal teas that can make prednisone less effective include cat's claw, astragalus and licorice root.

Traditional Teas

Caffeine and tannins, two sometimes-problematic compounds of black, oolong and green teas, are not listed as being a problem when mixed with prednisone. Black, green and oolong teas come from the same plant, Camellia sinesis. How the plant's leaves are processed, including fermentation methods, determines what type of tea it will become. Green tea comes from unfermented leaves. This lack of fermentation appears to keep the leaves' natural antioxidants from leeching away, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For people hoping to boost their immune systems, whether or not they are taking prednisone, green tea may be the healthiest choice of the three traditional teas. None, however, are known to cause negative interactions with the medication.

Herbal Teas

While on prednisone or other medications, consider some of the milder herbal teas. Lemon balm, black currant, chamomile, lavender, elderflower, rose hip, peppermint, linden flower, rooibos and rosemary teas all have their own healing, yet gentle, effects, according to "The Green Witch Herbal" author Barbara Griggs.

General Recommendations

Every person reacts differently to individual and combined substances. While caffeine and prednisone aren't considered antagonists, you may experience side effects from each of them that, together, make daily life especially unpleasant. Talk to your doctor about all the teas you normally drink, as well as foods and supplements in your regular routine. Your physician will have the latest warnings on any negative herbal and food interactions reported with prednisone, which can be daunting to the general public. For example, Drugs.com lists 661 possible interactions between prednisone and other drugs or herbs. Always ask your doctor about specific herbal and traditional teas, even if they have a reputation for mild effects. If you buy tea blends, look at all the ingredients listed on the package.