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Common name: Soursop
Latin name: Annona muricata
Parts commonly used: leaf

About Soursop

Soursop is one of the herbs Herbalist Kareem works with in the 4 Cycles of Life collection. Below you will find a short, plain-language overview of how this herb has traditionally been used, how people commonly enjoy it, and the safety points everyone should know before adding it to a daily routine.

Traditional uses

Soursop (graviola) is a tropical tree whose leaf tea is a familiar folk remedy in the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America. The leaf is traditionally used to support relaxation and restful sleep.*

Traditional use describes how people and cultures have worked with a plant over many generations. It is a valuable part of herbal knowledge, but it is not the same as medical proof, and every body responds differently.

How it is commonly enjoyed

Enjoyed as a leaf tea; the sweet fruit is eaten fresh. Start with small amounts, follow the directions on the product label, and pay attention to how your body responds. Herbs work best as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes whole foods, water, movement, and rest.

Safety notes

Important caution: This is an herb that calls for extra care. Please read the safety notes below carefully and speak with a qualified healthcare provider before use.

Soursop contains compounds that have been linked to nerve problems with long-term or heavy use. Use only occasionally. Not for pregnancy. Ask your doctor before use if you take blood pressure or blood sugar medications.

As with any herb: avoid it if you have a known allergy to the plant or its plant family, ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take prescription medications, and talk with your provider before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving herbs to a child. Stop use and seek medical care if you notice any unusual reaction.

What researchers are studying

Scientists continue to study Soursop. One example from the published literature is a scientific review:

Mutakin M, Fauziati R, Fadhilah FN, et al. (2022). Pharmacological Activities of Soursop (Annona muricata Lin.). Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).

Research like this is often early, small, or done in the lab, and it does not prove that Soursop treats or prevents any condition. We share it so you can see that this herb is a subject of ongoing scientific interest.

Found in our products

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always talk with a qualified healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or managing a health condition.