Health authorities in Las Tunas are warning of a growing number of cases of poisoning in infants caused by the administration of homemade infusions and herbal teas. This practice, deeply rooted for generations, is causing serious and even potentially life-threatening complications in newborns. It is therefore essential to understand that this practice is causing a medical problem, particularly among infants.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- The Toxicology Department has reported more than 30 cases of infants with poisoning ranging from critical to critically life-threatening. These cases stem from infusions ranging from the most traditional —such as anise, aniseed, star anise, and sweet potato stems— to others like cherimoya and grape leaf macerates.
Specialists warn that the goal mothers pursue when administering these preparations is supposedly to reduce colic, fever in some cases, and aid digestion. However, medical evidence points in another direction.
Although they do not deny that these types of plants may have therapeutic properties to alleviate certain symptoms, they also have medical and therapeutic effects. It is therefore essential to understand that they contain an active ingredient and that, like a medication, they have a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose.
The fundamental difference from conventional medications lies in dose control.
Specialists state that infants and young children have enzymatic and organ immaturity in the organs responsible for metabolizing, biotransforming, and processing each of these substances. Therefore, they will be more sensitive to exposure to certain toxins, which can lead to acute complications in many cases. One of the main complications is sepsis of the digestive system, which can lead to massive inflammation, multiple organ failure, and, unfortunately, death.
Adding to physicians’ concerns is the preparation of herbal teas using well water. Even when validated by epidemiological studies, well water is generally richer in minerals and salts. When boiled, these tend to become concentrated, and in many cases, nitrites and nitrates are present, which can also cause health complications.
Although no infants have died from this cause in toxicology clinics over the past two years, more than 40 cases have been recorded from 2025 to date, with a sustained increase in recent weeks.
Specialists recommend completely avoiding giving herbal infusions and teas to infants, and especially avoiding preparing them with well water.
