Who should not consume kidney tea?

Dec 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, kidney tea is not suitable for pregnant women, infants and young children, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, those with impaired kidney function, or patients with low blood pressure. In addition, people who are allergic to the ingredients in kidney tea should avoid consuming it. Moreover, before drinking any food-based herbal beverage in daily life, one should understand their own health condition and consult a healthcare professional when necessary to avoid blind consumption.

Under normal circumstances, kidney tea is not suitable for pregnant women, infants and young children, individuals with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach, those with impaired kidney function, patients with low blood pressure, and other similar groups. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Pregnant Women

Kidney tea possesses certain pharmacological activity, has complex components, and its effects on the fetus are not yet fully understood. Due to the special physiological state during pregnancy, consumption may affect fetal growth and development via the placenta, increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, it is not recommended for pregnant women to drink kidney tea.

2. Infants and Young Children

The liver, kidney, and digestive systems of infants and young children are not fully developed, resulting in weak metabolic capacity for the active ingredients in kidney tea. Consumption may increase the burden on internal organs and lead to discomfort such as diarrhea and vomiting, which could negatively impact their growth and development. Hence, it is best to avoid giving kidney tea to this age group.

3. Individuals with Deficiency-Cold of the Spleen and Stomach

Kidney tea has a relatively cool nature and possesses diuretic properties. People with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach often experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sensitivity to cold. Drinking kidney tea may further impair the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, worsening the symptoms of cold deficiency and hindering effective management of their condition.

4. Patients with Impaired Kidney Function

Kidney tea is primarily metabolized through the kidneys and has a diuretic effect. In individuals with compromised kidney function, renal excretion capacity is already reduced. Consuming kidney tea may increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys, potentially leading to further deterioration of kidney function or even triggering complications.

5. Patients with Low Blood Pressure

Some studies suggest that kidney tea may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect. Patients with hypotension already have low blood pressure and often suffer from symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. Drinking kidney tea may cause a further drop in blood pressure, exacerbating discomfort and negatively affecting daily life and overall health.

In addition, individuals who are allergic to any component of kidney tea must avoid consuming it. Moreover, before drinking any medicinal food or herbal beverage in daily life, one should understand their own health status and, when necessary, consult healthcare professionals to prevent blind or inappropriate consumption.