Berberine Tea
Berberine is a relatively new compound for many Americans, but its roots run deep in Ayurvedic medicine, spanning centuries of use. Berberine is a compound found in the roots, stems, and bark of plants rich in berberine alkaloids—such as goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grapes—and it offers many health benefits. Its benefits include weight management, blood sugar regulation, anti-inflammatory properties, cholesterol reduction, digestive support, and potent antioxidant properties.
Berberine's recent surge in popularity owes much to its potential impact on weight management. Dubbed the "poor man's Ozempic" due to its blood sugar-stabilizing effects similar to metformin, berberine mimics the mechanisms of this staple medication for type II diabetes. Its burgeoning reputation, however, comes with a few caveats. While generally safe, berberine can occasionally induce gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and nausea. Therefore, starting with a modest tea dose and gradually titrating upwards is a smart strategy to avoid stomach issues. Caution should be exercised when using berberine while on blood pressure medications, as synergistic effects may lead to low blood pressure. For patients already taking metformin berberine should be avoided as they work on the same pathways and taking both could lead to hypoglycemia.
For those interested in brewing berberine tea, simply add one teaspoon of dried barberry root bark steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes. You can also streamline the process and buy premade tea bags that contain barberry root. Sweeten to taste with honey, lemon, or natural sugar-free alternatives like stevia.
Why drink tea when you can just take a supplement? While supplements do offer similar benefits some things can only be derived from drinking berberine tea. Drinking berberine-infused tea ensures you benefit from other plant-derived compounds like antioxidants and flavonoids that are also important for overall health. Drinking berberine tea often proves to be gentler on the stomach compared to concentrated supplements as well since berberine is released slowly when consumed in a tea. Drinking tea can also help us reach daily fluid goals and since most of us are chronically dehydrated this is a helpful benefit as well. And let's not discount the therapeutic ritual of savoring a steaming cup of tea—which often provides a moment of peace in our fast-paced lives.