Is Yaupon Tea Safe to Drink?

If you're new to yaupon tea, welcome! You’re about to discover America’s only native caffeinated plant - a wild, naturally energizing leaf that’s been brewed and enjoyed for centuries... even longer than traditional teas from Asia! At Rise Yaupon, we’re proud to craft tea from Florida-grown yaupon holly, and one of the most common questions we get is:

“Is yaupon tea safe to drink?”

The short answer: Absolutely.

Let’s dig into the long answer - and why yaupon is a smart, safe, and even health-supportive addition to your daily ritual.

A Wild Native with a Long History

Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) is a species of holly native to the southeastern U.S., especially Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Indigenous communities like the Timucua, Caddo, and Muscogee brewed it for ceremonial and daily use, often calling it the “white drink,”  a sacred gift from the god of purity, Yahola; while early Spanish explorers dubbed it the "black drink" for it's color. Learn more about the origins of yaupon here

Fast forward to today: modern science is catching up with what indigenous cultures already knew - yaupon is both invigorating and gentle on the body.

 

Yaupon tea is made from the leaf of the yaupon holly plant.  Yaupon trees are dioecious, meaning there are both male and female trees.  Both have leaves that make amazing tea, but only the females will have berries.  Berries are the #1 food source for migratory birds, and in large quantities can be mildly toxic for humans.  So, when doing a DIY tea - take ONLY the leaves and leave the berries for the birds!

What Makes Yaupon Safe?

1. Naturally Low in Tannins

Unlike many teas made from Camellia sinensis (traditional black or green tea), yaupon is naturally low in tannins. That means:

• It won’t get bitter if you leave the bag in.
• It’s less likely to cause stomach upset or tooth staining.
• You can drink it all day long - hot or iced - without the astringency.

2. Moderate Caffeine, No Jitters

Yaupon contains a moderate amount of caffeine - roughly 30% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee - and is often reported to offer a “cleaner,” smoother energy. Many people say it gives them a boost without the crash or nervous buzz.

Bonus: yaupon also contains theobromine, a feel-good compound also found in chocolate, which may help promote focus, clarity, and calm alertness.

3. No Additives, Just Plants

At Rise Yaupon, our teas are simply made: we wild-harvest yaupon holly leaves by hand, which is the base for all of our tea blends.

We don’t use synthetic flavors, preservatives, or anything artificial - just what nature provides.  Explore our tea options now!

But What About the Scientific Name “Ilex vomitoria”?

Yes, the Latin name includes “vomitoria,” but rest assured - yaupon does not cause vomiting.

That unfortunate name came from William Aiton - the Royal Gardener under King George.  When Yaupon started to be imported into Europe, it became a threat to the British tea empire... in a tale that involves slavery, sugar and scandal.  Learn more about it HERE.

The name stuck, but the science proves yaupon is safe - and delicious.  Even the NIH study shows that it is not emetic in any way.

Who Should Avoid Yaupon?

As with any caffeinated product, people who are very sensitive to caffeine, are pregnant or nursing, or have certain health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before adding yaupon to their routine.

But for the vast majority of people, yaupon tea is a safe, clean source of natural energy - grown right here in the U.S.

Final Thoughts

At Rise Yaupon, we believe in bringing you the best of what nature has to offer - and that includes transparency. We proudly source yaupon from prestine Florida forests, harvest it with care, and package it with love. No strings. No bitterness. Just good energy.

So go ahead - steep a cup. Sip confidently. And enjoy the safe, satisfying power of America’s native tea.

Want to try it for yourself?
Browse our blends here - and taste this ancient, sacred, medicinal tea.