Mulberry Leaf Tea: Origins, Flavour and What It Contains
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Mulberry leaf tea is one of the lesser-known herbal infusions in the UK, yet it has been consumed for centuries across East Asia, where the mulberry tree (Morus alba) has a deep-rooted place in both culture and botanical tradition. The leaves of the white mulberry tree — the same plant whose leaves are the sole food source of the silkworm — have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine since antiquity, and mulberry leaf tea remains a common household drink across China, Japan, and Korea.
What Is Mulberry Leaf Tea?
Mulberry leaf tea is made from the dried leaves of the mulberry tree, most commonly Morus alba (white mulberry). The leaves are harvested, dried, and steeped in the same way as any other leaf-based herbal infusion. It is naturally caffeine-free and produces a pale green or golden infusion depending on steeping time.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, mulberry leaf (Sang Ye) is classified as a cooling herb, historically associated with the Lung and Liver meridians. It is documented in classical texts including the Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Herbal Classic), one of the foundational texts of TCM, where it is listed among the most extensively used plant medicines.
What Does Mulberry Leaf Contain?
Mulberry leaves have a notably rich mineral and phytonutrient profile for a leaf tea. They contain:
- Flavonoids — including quercetin and rutin, which are among the most studied plant polyphenols. Both are found across a wide range of botanical teas.
- Chlorogenic acid — a phenolic compound found in high concentrations in mulberry leaf, also present in coffee and green tea
- Minerals — calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron are present in meaningful amounts relative to many herbal teas
- Vitamins — vitamins A, B1, B2, and C are all documented in mulberry leaf
- DNJ (1-deoxynojirimycin) — a naturally occurring alkaloid compound found in mulberry leaf that has been the subject of significant research interest
Mulberry leaf has been noted as a particularly mineral-dense leaf tea, with calcium, potassium, and iron content that compares favourably to many common herbal infusions.
What Does Mulberry Leaf Tea Taste Like?
The flavour profile of mulberry leaf tea is mild, slightly grassy, and smooth — often described as sitting somewhere between green tea and nettle leaf in character, but without the astringency of either. It has a clean, subtly earthy quality that makes it easy to drink without sweetening. The pale golden colour of the brewed tea is one of its most distinctive qualities.
Mulberry Leaf and Nettle Leaf: A Useful Comparison
For those already familiar with nettle leaf tea, mulberry leaf makes an interesting comparison. Both are mineral-rich, caffeine-free leaf infusions with a grassy, mild character — and both have long histories of use as everyday botanical teas in their respective traditions. Nettle has been drunk across Europe for centuries as a spring tonic; mulberry leaf has occupied a similar everyday role in East Asian herbal culture.
In terms of flavour, nettle is slightly more robust and vegetal; mulberry is lighter and smoother. The mineral profiles of both are notable — nettle is particularly associated with iron, calcium, and magnesium, while mulberry brings a comparable range alongside its distinctive flavonoid compounds.
For those who enjoy organic nettle tea as a daily mineral-rich infusion, mulberry leaf is a natural next step to explore — similar in character, different in botanical origin and tradition.
How to Brew Mulberry Leaf Tea
- Use 1–2 teaspoons of dried mulberry leaf per cup
- Pour freshly boiled water and steep for 3–5 minutes
- Strain and drink plain or with a slice of lemon
- Can also be cold-brewed overnight in the fridge for a lighter, cleaner flavour
A Note on Mulberry Leaf and Health Claims
Mulberry leaf has been the subject of research interest — particularly regarding DNJ and its interaction with carbohydrate digestion — and there is an active body of scientific literature exploring its properties. However, as a food supplement and herbal tea, mulberry leaf cannot be sold with medicinal claims. If you are managing a health condition, please consult your GP before incorporating any herbal tea or supplement into your routine.
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