Biotechnologist Elena Zhelyanina has warned that certain people should avoid drinking herbal teas because active substances in plants can trigger unwanted side effects. Speaking to news outlet aif.ru, Zhelyanina explained that pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should refrain from consuming these beverages. She added that herbal teas should also not be given to children.
For individuals with chronic health conditions, herbal teas ought to be consumed only after consulting a medical professional. Zhelyanina highlighted that these beverages can be particularly hazardous for people suffering from hypertension, as specific components in herbs can raise blood pressure levels and interfere with the effectiveness of prescription medications taken for high blood pressure.
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a long-term cardiovascular condition where the force of blood against arterial walls remains consistently elevated. Pharmacological treatments for high blood pressure often rely on precise metabolic pathways. Botanical extracts contain complex bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and flavonoids, which can alter vessel contraction or modify how the liver metabolizes daily prescription drugs.
Risk factors for chronic conditions
Zhelyanina explained that people with liver disease, kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders must also avoid taking botanical preparations without prior medical approval.
The liver and kidneys play primary roles in filtering, processing, and excreting active chemical substances from the bloodstream. When these organs are impaired, even natural botanical metabolites can accumulate to toxic levels. Similarly, autoimmune disorders cause the body's immune system to attack its own healthy tissues, meaning immunomodulatory compounds found in plant extracts can potentially trigger unpredictable immune responses.
Dangers of chamomile tea
The biotechnologist drew special attention to chamomile tea, which is widely considered to be entirely safe and calming. Zhelyanina noted that drinking chamomile tea uncontrollably and in unlimited quantities is unsafe, as the plant can cause nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
She warned that people with existing allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and other plants belonging to the Asteraceae family should be especially cautious. Furthermore, Zhelyanina pointed out that the safety of consuming large doses of chamomile during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been sufficiently studied.
Chamomile is a popular herbal infusion derived from daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae family, which is one of the largest families of flowering plants. Members of this plant family, including ragweed and marigolds, contain shared glycoprotein allergens. Individuals sensitized to one member of the family often experience cross-reactive allergic symptoms when exposed to others.
Dietary choices for longevity
In earlier comments regarding healthy dietary habits, doctor Alexander Umnov discussed foods that can help extend human life. Umnov recommended incorporating vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens into daily meals, explaining that these foods contain essential micronutrients, anti-aging vitamins C, A, and B, and protective antioxidants.
Antioxidants are organic compounds that help neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that cause cellular damage and accelerate biological aging. Whole foods such as leafy greens and fresh fruits provide a balanced intake of essential vitamins without the concentrated physiological risks associated with potent herbal extractions.
