Based on PubMed | Is it safe to take daily low-dose aspirin if I drink several cups of green tea, or does this combination increase the risk of bleeding?

Taking daily low‑dose aspirin while drinking a few cups of brewed green tea is generally considered compatible for many people, but the combination can plausibly increase bleeding risk if green tea intake is high or if concentrated green tea extracts are used. ^[1] Low‑dose aspirin (typically 75–100 mg/day) on its own already raises the chance of gastrointestinal bleeding, and anything that adds antiplatelet or anticoagulant effects could potentially raise that risk further. ^[2]

What aspirin does

• Aspirin thins the blood by blocking platelet clumping, which lowers heart and stroke risk in select people but also increases bleeding, especially from the stomach and intestines. ^[2] Aspirin’s bleeding risk rises further when it’s combined with other blood thinners, certain pain relievers (like ibuprofen taken regularly), some antidepressants, and various botanicals or supplements known to increase bleeding. ^{[3] [4]}

What green tea does

• Brewed green tea contains catechins such as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which in lab and animal research can inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time, suggesting a mild blood‑thinning effect at higher exposures. ^{[5] [6]} Typical beverage amounts are usually well tolerated, but concentrated extracts at higher doses have been linked to side effects (for example, liver enzyme elevations or liver injury in rare cases), and excessive amounts can introduce other concerns (caffeine effects, stomach upset). ^{[7] [8]}

Is there a direct, proven interaction?

• Human clinical data specifically showing increased bleeding from combining normal amounts of brewed green tea with low‑dose aspirin are limited; most documented, clinically meaningful interactions of green tea with cardiovascular drugs involve other agents (for example, warfarin, nadolol), and the average effects observed so far tend to be mild to modest. ^[9] Still, given aspirin’s baseline bleeding risk, adding another substance with antiplatelet potential could be additive in susceptible individuals, especially at higher intakes or with extracts. ^{[2] [5]}

Practical guidance for safety

• Moderate brewed green tea intake (for example, 1–3 cups per day) alongside low‑dose aspirin is unlikely to pose a major additional bleeding risk for most people without other risk factors, though individual responses vary. ^{[9] [2]}
• Large volumes of green tea or the use of concentrated green tea extracts may increase the chance of bleeding because catechins can inhibit platelets, and higher exposures have shown stronger effects in preclinical studies. ^{[5] [6]}
• Aspirin’s bleeding risk is higher if you also take other blood thinners (like clopidogrel, warfarin, or DOACs), certain NSAIDs regularly, corticosteroids, or specific supplements known to raise bleeding risk; in those settings, adding high green tea intake or extracts could further tilt the balance. ^{[3] [4]}
• If you need to stay on aspirin and you drink green tea, consider limiting to moderate beverage amounts and avoid high‑dose extracts; if you develop signs of bleeding (black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or coffee‑ground material, unusual bruising, prolonged nosebleeds), seek medical attention promptly. ^[2] If you have a history of stomach ulcers, prior GI bleeding, or are over age 60, your healthcare professional may discuss adding a proton pump inhibitor (a stomach‑protective medicine) to lower GI bleeding risk with aspirin. ^[2]

Special notes about extracts and liver health

• Some green tea extract products, especially when taken on an empty stomach or at higher doses, have been associated with elevated liver enzymes or, rarely, liver injury; labels often advise taking with food and discontinuing if symptoms of liver trouble appear. ^[10] Because liver injury can complicate overall safety, concentrated extracts are best avoided unless there is a clear indication and medical oversight. ^[8]

Bottom line

• For most people, moderate brewed green tea with daily low‑dose aspirin can be reasonable, but because aspirin already increases bleeding risk, high volumes of green tea or use of concentrated extracts could further increase that risk, at least in theory and based on preclinical antiplatelet effects. ^{[2] [5]} When in doubt especially if you have other bleeding risks or take additional blood‑thinning medicines discuss your exact green tea intake (cups per day, any extracts) with your clinician to individualize advice. ^[3]

Would you like to share how many cups you usually drink per day and whether you use any green tea capsules or extracts?