Introduction
Soursop leaf tea, also called graviola or guanabana leaf tea, is a traditional herbal infusion prepared from the leaves of the soursop tree (Annona muricata). It has become popular online as a natural wellness drink, but many claims about its ability to cure cancer, eliminate cancer cells, treat diabetes, improve circulation, or reduce swollen feet are not supported by clinical evidence. Laboratory and animal research has investigated compounds in graviola, but human studies are lacking. Tea
This recipe presents the traditional preparation as a simple herbal tea—not as a treatment for any medical condition.
Discover more
Sample Loose-Leaf Teas
Discover Craft Spirits
Find Rare Spices
Recipe Overview
Category Details
Recipe Soursop Leaf Tea
Preparation Time 5 minutes
Cooking Time 7 minutes
Total Time About 12 minutes
Yield 2–3 cups
Main Ingredient Fresh soursop leaves
Water Temperature About 100°C / 212°F to begin
Flavor Mild, earthy, herbal
Best Served Warm or chilled
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ExploreGourmet Recipes
Soursop leaf tea issimple to prepare and requires only two basic ingredients.
It has a naturally mild herbal flavor and can be enjoyed warm or cooled over ice. FindRare Spices
The recipe uses a short simmering time, making it convenient when you want a traditional herbal infusion without complicated preparation.
Most importantly, this version avoids presenting herbal tea as a substitute for appropriate medical care.
Discover more
Tea
Find Rare Spices
Get Organic Produce
Ingredients
Ingredient Amount
Fresh soursop leaves 10 leaves
Filtered water 4 cups (960 ml)
Optional Additions
Ingredient Suggested Amount
Fresh ginger 2–3 thin slices
Lemon 1–2 teaspoons juice
Cinnamon stick 1 small stick
Honey 1 teaspoon, optional
If you are monitoring blood sugar, remember that honey and other sweeteners add carbohydrates and sugar.
Discover more
Beverages
herbs
Discover Craft Teas
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the leaves SampleLoose-Leaf Teas
Rinse the 10 fresh soursop leaves thoroughly under cool running water. Remove any damaged, yellow, or visibly contaminated leaves.
Bring the water to a boil
Pour 4 cups of filtered water into
a saucepan and bring it to approximately 100°C / 212°F.
Add the leaves
Place the cleaned soursop leaves into the boiling water.
Simmer for 7 minutes
Reduce the heat and gently simmer for approximately 7 minutes. Avoid prolonged boiling or making an unusually concentrated preparation.
Strain
Discover more
email
Access Writing Tools
Order Meal Kits
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-safe container, removing all leaves.
Cool and serve
Allow the tea to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature. Serve warm, or refrigerate it and serve chilled.
Best Tips
Use clean, healthy-looking leaves from a reliably identified soursop tree.
Wash fresh leaves carefully before preparing the tea.
Do not assume that using more leaves makes the tea healthier. A stronger preparation may also increase exposure to plant compounds.
Avoid adding large amounts of sugar if you are trying to keep the beverage low in added sugar.
Do not use
soursop leaf tea as a replacement for prescribed cancer, diabetes, blood-pressure, or other medical treatment.
Best Ingredient Options
Fresh soursop leaves are traditionally used for this type of infusion. If you cannot confidently identify the plant, do not collect leaves from the wild.
Filtered water gives the cleanest flavor.
Fresh ginger can provide a warmer, spicier flavor, while a small amount of lemon can brighten the taste.
If sweetness is desired, use a small amount of honey or another sweetener appropriate for your dietary needs.
Discover more
Biological Sciences
Italian Cuisine
Food
Recipe Variations
Ginger Soursop Leaf Tea
Add 2–3 thin slices of fresh ginger while simmering the leaves.
Lemon Soursop Leaf Tea
Allow the tea to cool slightly, then add 1–2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
Chilled Soursop Leaf Tea
Prepare the tea normally, refrigerate until cold, and serve over ice.
Unsweetened Herbal Tea
Simply use soursop leaves and water for a sugar-free beverage.
