Can I drink barley tea while taking medication?
Aug 25, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Do not drink barley tea while taking medication. Barley tea contains tea polyphenols, which may interact with drugs—for example, cold remedies or medications for chronic diseases—thereby impairing drug absorption and reducing therapeutic efficacy, potentially worsening the condition. If sedatives or antiarrhythmic drugs are being used, such interactions may further compromise drug effectiveness, hinder recovery, and even pose serious health risks.
Generally, barley tea should not be consumed while taking medication, as it may reduce drug efficacy and potentially cause discomfort or adverse symptoms in patients.
Barley tea contains polyphenols (e.g., tannins), which may interact with medications after administration. Therefore, drinking barley tea while taking medicine is generally discouraged. For instance, during treatment for colds or chronic diseases, consuming barley tea alongside medication may impair drug absorption, thereby diminishing therapeutic effectiveness and hindering recovery—or even exacerbating symptoms. Moreover, if sedatives or antiarrhythmic drugs are being used, concurrent intake of barley tea may interfere with their pharmacological action, compromising therapeutic outcomes and potentially posing serious health risks. Hence, barley tea should typically be avoided during medication use.
In daily life, it is advisable to avoid drinking any type of tea—including barley tea—while taking medications, regardless of the drug class, to prevent interference with drug absorption and efficacy, which could impede recovery. Instead, medications should ideally be taken with plain, lukewarm water.
