Black jack tea(Bidens pilosa) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional herbal practices across Brazil, Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia. Although often considered a weed in agriculture, this resilient plant has earned respect in natural medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and liver-supporting properties.
When prepared as a tea, black jack is traditionally used to support liver health, digestion, blood sugar balance, immune function, and skin healing. In this article, you’ll learn what black jack tea is used for, how to prepare it correctly, proper dosage, and important safety considerations.
You’ll also find guidance on how to include it responsibly in a natural wellness routine, along with links to helpful herbal resources. At the end, we invite you to explore the eBook Teas for the Soul, created for those who want to deepen their knowledge of medicinal teas.
⚖️ Important notice: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
What Is Black Jack (Bidens pilosa)?
Black jack is a flowering plant from the Asteraceae family, easily recognized by its small yellow flowers and barbed seeds that cling to clothing and animal fur. It grows abundantly in open fields, roadsides, and pastures, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
Despite being labeled an “invasive weed” in farming, black jack has been used for generations in folk medicine to address liver disorders, inflammation, infections, and wound healing.
In herbal traditions, the leaves, stems, and aerial parts are the most commonly used portions of the plant.
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Medicinal Compounds Found in Black Jack
Scientific research has identified several bioactive compounds that explain the plant’s traditional uses:
- Flavonoids – powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects
- Phenolic acids – known for liver-protective and detoxifying activity
- Essential oils – provide antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- Tannins – support intestinal balance and help reduce inflammation
These compounds make black jack a highly versatile medicinal herb.
What Is Black Jack Tea Used For?
1. Liver Detox and Support
One of the most traditional uses of black jack tea is as a natural liver tonic. It helps support liver detoxification and may assist in protecting liver cells from damage caused by toxins, medications, or poor diet.
It is traditionally used in cases of:
- Fatty liver
- Mild hepatitis
- Liver overload from medications or alcohol
2. Blood Sugar Balance Support
Studies suggest that flavonoids in Bidens pilosa may help support healthy blood glucose levels, making the tea a complementary option for people managing type 2 diabetes under professional supervision.
⚠️ Important: Black jack tea does not replace prescribed diabetes medication.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Action
Black jack tea is commonly used to relieve inflammatory conditions, particularly those affecting the digestive tract, such as:
- Gastritis
- Colitis
- Intestinal inflammation
4. Skin Healing and External Use
Used externally, black jack tea may help with:
- Dermatitis and itching
- Infected wounds
- Acne and minor burns
Its antimicrobial and soothing properties make it a traditional option for skin care in natural medicine.
5. Antimicrobial and Immune Support
The tea may assist the body in fighting mild urinary, respiratory, and intestinal infections, helping support immune defenses when used appropriately.
6. Digestive Comfort
For people experiencing:
- Indigestion
- Gas and bloating
- Post-meal discomfort
black jack tea may offer gentle digestive relief.
How to Prepare Black Jack Tea Properly
Correct preparation is essential to preserve the plant’s active compounds.
👉 For a full explanation of infusion, decoction, and other methods, see:
How to Prepare Herbal Tea Correctly
Traditional Infusion Method
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried black jack leaves or stems
- 1 cup (240 ml) filtered water
Preparation
- Heat the water to near boiling (about 195°F / 90–95°C).
- Turn off the heat and add the herb.
- Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm.
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Recommended Intake
- Up to 2 cups per day
- Use for no more than 15 consecutive days
- Take breaks between usage cycles
- Avoid refined sugar; if needed, use a small amount of honey
Other Ways to Use Black Jack
Compresses (External Use)
Prepare a stronger infusion (2 tablespoons per cup of water) and apply with clean gauze to:
- Wounds
- Acne
- Itchy or inflamed skin
Sitz Baths
Traditionally used for:
- Yeast infections
- Hemorrhoids
- Genital irritation
Prepare 2 liters of tea and sit for about 15 minutes.
Tincture
A concentrated form used for longer-term protocols, only under professional guidance.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Despite its benefits, black jack should be used responsibly:
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding without medical guidance
- Excessive use may cause stomach irritation
- May enhance the effects of antidiabetic or anticoagulant medications
- Always consult a qualified healthcare professional if unsure
Storage and Plant Safety Tips
- Dry leaves and stems in the shade
- Store in a dark, dry, airtight container
- Use herbs from trusted, uncontaminated sources
- Never harvest from polluted areas or roadsides
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Interesting Facts About Black Jack
- Also known as beggar’s tick, Spanish needle, or sticktight
- Used traditionally in countries such as Mexico, China, and the Philippines
- Currently studied for immunomodulatory properties
Herbs with Similar Uses You May Like
- Barbatimão Tea – skin support and blood cleansing
- Dandelion Tea – liver health and fluid balance
- Carqueja Tea – digestive support and blood sugar balance
Final Thoughts: Is Black Jack Tea Worth Using?
Black jack tea is a valuable and time-tested herbal remedy with a wide range of traditional applications. Its benefits for liver support, digestion, immune balance, skin health, and blood sugar support make it a powerful ally in natural wellness.
When used in moderation and with proper guidance, it can safely complement a holistic health routine.
Prepare your tea the right way
If you plan to use this plant to make tea, use the Nutritive Blog tea infusion timer. Proper infusion time helps preserve active compounds and ensures better results.
Author Box
Written by Alexandre Zorek, graduate in Business Administration, nutrition student, and postgraduate in Botany.
A passionate lover of orchids, photography, and natural food — and father of Bianca and Beatriz — he shares reliable and practical knowledge about plants, fruits, teas, and vegetables.
