28 July 2025 : In our country, many people start their day with a cup of tea. After water, tea is the most consumed beverage here. People drink several cups of tea from morning till evening. However, health experts have constantly warned against this habit. Drinking milk tea with sugar in excess can increase the risk of diabetes and constipation. That’s why many people consider black tea to be a healthier alternative — but is black tea actually safe? Let’s find out…
The Combination of Black Tea and Lemon
People who are aware of the risks of milk and sugar-laden tea often switch to black tea and make sure to add lemon to it. Lemon is considered a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps boost immunity. That’s one reason people emphasized drinking herbal concoctions (kaadha) during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s not necessary that it will always benefit you.
According to a report by TOI (Times of India), a resident of Mumbai started experiencing swelling in the legs, along with vomiting and loss of appetite. Upon examination, it was discovered that his kidneys were not functioning properly. When his dietary history was reviewed, it was found that he regularly consumed black tea along with Vitamin C supplements.
This isn’t an isolated case — many people, by frequently consuming lemon tea or herbal brews, are unknowingly harming their kidneys.
Stay Cautious of These Risks
People who drink lemon-based herbal teas excessively may see a spike in creatinine levels — which ideally should remain below 1. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the body’s fluids. If there’s a problem with this function, the entire body can be affected.
Most health experts agree that overconsumption of anything can harm your health. Therefore, it’s advisable to drink such concoctions only in moderation and after consulting a doctor. If your intake of Vitamin C becomes too high, the body’s oxalate levels can also increase, leading to kidney infections or even kidney failure.
In short: Black tea, especially with lemon or in high amounts, may not be as harmless as it seems — moderation is key.
Summary:
While moderate black tea (with milk) is generally safe, heavy intake—especially unsweetened or vitamin C–fortified—can raise oxalate-related kidney stone and injury risks.