Are Goji Berries Safe for You? 4 Potential Side Effects and Drug Interactions You Should Know

If you have been exploring wellness and trying different superfoods, you have probably have goji berries. On Instagram, you can see many nutritionists talk about their benefits and how to add them to your diet. But many people don’t realize that goji berries, like many powerful herbs, have active compounds that can interact with medications. Even worse, they can be unsafe for people with certain health conditions. Goji berries are powerful and beneficial in many ways. But like anything with strong effects, they deserve thoughtful, informed consumption.

At Gobi Goji, we believe in sharing the full story, being open and honest, and not hiding any inconvenient facts. As much as we love the positive effects of goji berries, they are not necessarily good for everyone. In this article, we want to show why some folks should avoid goji berries, and help you decide if they are right for you, especially if you’re managing medications or specific health conditions.

The Benefits of Goji Berries — Why So Many People Love Them

Before talking about the complications of goji berries, we want to present a balanced view point and share why they have been the go-to healthy snack. Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) have been used for over a thousand years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and have become increasingly studied by modern science. Here are some of their key benefits, backed by research:

• Blood Sugar Support
  Goji berries contain Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), which may help regulate blood sugar levels. A meta-analysis of seven studies found that LBP significantly improved fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL levels, making it a promising tool for managing metabolic health.
• Gentle Circulatory Support
  Some studies suggest that goji berries may have a mild blood-thinning effect, which can be beneficial for overall circulation.
• Skin and Anti-Aging Benefits
  Goji berries are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and polyphenols. These nutrients help support collagen production and reduce oxidative stress.
• Immune Modulation
  Goji’s unique polysaccharides have been shown to enhance immune system function and may help balance inflammatory responses. These effects are gentle and support long-term wellness.
• Digestive Health and Metabolism
  Goji berries contain special fiber and prebiotic compounds that support a healthy digestive system. They can help enhance your metabolism and support proper nutrient absorption, making them a valuable addition to your daily wellness routine.
• Mental Clarity and Mood
  Goji has traditionally been used to support mental energy and calmness. Some modern studies suggest antioxidant compounds in goji may support neuroprotective effects and help with fatigue and stress.

👉 Want to learn more about the full spectrum of benefits? Check out our guide to goji berry tea.

When to Be Cautious: Who Should Limit or Avoid Goji Berries?

While goji berries are safe and healthy for most people, if you have any of the following conditions, you should take precautions:

1. People Taking Blood Thinners (Especially Warfarin)

Goji berries may enhance the effect of anticoagulant medications. A clinical case published in Pharmacotherapy linked goji juice consumption with significantly elevated INR levels and bleeding in a patient on warfarin. Even small amounts of goji tea could amplify the effects of blood thinners.

2. People on Diabetes Medications

Goji berries support healthy blood sugar regulation, which could potentially interact with medications designed to lower glucose. The same meta-analysis suggests LBP could significantly impact fasting blood glucose, due to the possible compounding effects. If you’re taking insulin or oral hypoglycemics, consult your healthcare provider before adding goji to your daily routine.

3. People with Nightshade Allergies and Intolerance

Goji belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, along with tomatoes and eggplants. While rare, allergic reactions to goji berries have been reported in people sensitive to other nightshades. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis.

4. Pregnant Individuals

Goji berries contain betaines, compounds that may influence uterine muscle tone. While there’s limited direct evidence of harm, some practitioners advise avoiding goji during pregnancy as a precaution. We advice folks who are pregnant and planning to become pregnant to consult with their healthcare provider.

Why Whole Dried Berries Are Our Choice

Many goji products today come as concentrated juices, powders, or extracts. While convenient, these forms often lack transparency:

• It’s unclear how they were processed or sourced
• Concentration levels may vary wildly
• Ingredients are often hidden behind proprietary blends

At Gobi Goji, we take a different approach: We use whole dried goji berries, paired with other natural herbs like rose, chamomile, and licorice, to create balanced, visible herbal tea blends. When you brew our teas, you can see exactly what you’re drinking — no mystery powders, no hidden extracts.

This whole-herb philosophy respects both tradition and your right to know what goes into your body.

Our Approach: Holistic Wellness, Not a Silver Bullet

Goji berries are an incredible fruit, but they aren’t magic. At Gobi Goji, we believe in:

• Prioritizing a balanced diet, healthy sleep patterns, clean hydration, and staying physically active.
• Building simple rituals like tea drinking into your daily life
• Using goji as one part of a long-term, not a silver bullet wellness strategy

We create our teas with care and honesty, so they support the habits you’re already building for a stronger, steadier you.

Final Thoughts: A Mindful Cup of Goji Tea

Goji berry tea is one of nature’s gentler offerings — calming, nourishing, and deeply rooted in centuries of use. For most healthy individuals, it offers daily benefits with little risk. But like anything natural and potent, it should be used with care, especially if you’re managing medications or pregnancy.

At Gobi Goji, we believe that transparency is a form of respect. We’re proud to offer you teas that are simple, honest, and built around ingredients you can see and trust.

Explore our full line of goji-infused teas, or dive deeper into the world of herbal wellness through our blog.