Guayusa Side Effects & Safety: What to Know About Caffeine

Guayusa is a naturally caffeinated Amazonian leaf, so its most important potential side effects are the same kinds of effects that can occur with other caffeinated drinks.

For most people, the question is less “Is Guayusa dangerous?” and more “How much caffeine works well for me?” Individual sensitivity varies widely.

What side effects can Guayusa cause?

Because Guayusa contains caffeine, drinking too much may contribute to effects such as:

• Jitters or restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety or feeling overstimulated
• Increased heart rate or palpitations
• Upset stomach or nausea
• Headache

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that caffeine sensitivity varies with factors including body weight, medications, health conditions and individual sensitivity. For most healthy adults, the FDA cites 400 mg of caffeine per day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects.

Read the FDA guidance on caffeine →

How much caffeine is in Guayusa?

There is no single caffeine number for every cup. Guayusa is a natural agricultural product, and the caffeine in your drink can vary with the amount of leaf, the harvest, water temperature and steeping time.

If you are caffeine-sensitive, starting with a smaller serving and avoiding late-day caffeine is a practical approach.

Read our Guayusa caffeine guide →

Can Guayusa affect sleep?

Yes. Guayusa contains caffeine, so drinking it later in the day can interfere with sleep for some people. The timing that works well for one person may not work for another.

What about jitters and adrenaline?

Some Guayusa drinkers describe its energy as smoother than coffee, but that experience is not guaranteed. A small controlled human study using Guayusa extract found a lower epinephrine response than an equivalent dose of synthetic caffeine, but the study was small and used an extract rather than a typical brewed cup.

Explore the Guayusa, adrenaline and jitters research →

Guayusa during pregnancy

Pregnancy guidance generally focuses on total caffeine intake from all sources rather than on Guayusa specifically. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy to less than 200 mg per day.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you take medication or have a condition affected by caffeine, speak with your healthcare professional about what is appropriate for you.

Read ACOG's caffeine guidance →

Is Guayusa “jitter free”?

No caffeinated drink should be described as guaranteed jitter free. Guayusa may feel different from coffee for some people, but caffeine can still cause stimulant-related effects, especially at higher intakes or in sensitive individuals.

Try Guayusa at Your Own Pace

If you are new to Guayusa, our 4 oz sample is an easy way to explore the flavour and find the serving size that suits you.

Shop Upina Organic & Fairtrade Guayusa →

Regular drinker? Our bulk Guayusa guide compares the 1 lb, 5 lb and 10 lb sizes. The 5 Pound size includes free shipping to Canada and the USA.

A Note From Upina

This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Guayusa naturally contains caffeine, and individual responses to caffeine vary.