“Pito-pito” tea is a traditional Filipino herbal tea made from a blend of seven (“pito” in Filipino) different plant ingredients. There isn’t one universal recipe, but common ingredients include leaves, seeds, roots, or fruits from plants such as:
* Guava leaves
* Mango leaves
* Banaba leaves
* Pandan leaves
* Lemongrass
* Anise seeds
* Coriander seeds
Some homemade versions also include ginger, sambong, or citrus peels.
Commonly claimed benefits
People traditionally drink pito-pito tea for:
* Digestion support — may help with bloating or mild stomach discomfort.
* Relaxation — warm herbal teas can have a calming effect.
* Mild diuretic effects — ingredients like banaba or sambong are traditionally used to promote urination.
* Cold and cough relief — ginger and lemongrass versions are often used during colds.
* Blood sugar support — banaba has been studied for possible glucose-lowering effects.
* Antioxidants — many herbal leaves contain antioxidant compounds.
What science says
There’s limited high-quality clinical research on “pito-pito tea” as a specific blend. Most evidence comes from studies on individual herbs rather than the combined tea itself.
Some ingredients have preliminary evidence:
* Banaba — may help support blood sugar regulation.
* Lemongrass — may have mild anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
* Guava leaves — traditionally used for digestive issues.
But these effects are usually modest and not a substitute for medical treatment.
Possible side effects and precautions
Because recipes vary, side effects depend on the ingredients. Potential concerns include:
* Allergic reactions
* Upset stomach
* Lowered blood sugar (important if taking diabetes medication)
* Increased urination or dehydration from diuretic herbs
Pregnant or breastfeeding people, and anyone with kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or taking prescription medications should be cautious with concentrated herbal teas.
