Discover the nuances between tea allergies and sensitivities. Explore the various ingredients in herbal and non-herbal teas that may trigger reactions. Learn how to navigate tea allergies by adjusting brewing techniques or trying alternative beverages.

Differentiating Tea Allergies and Sensitivities

Tea allergies, while uncommon, can occur when the body mistakenly perceives tea components as harmful, leading to an immune response. In contrast, tea sensitivities or intolerances may result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues without an immune system reaction.

Symptoms of Tea Allergies

Allergic reactions to tea can manifest through hives, tingling or itching in the mouth, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or face, and in rare, severe cases, anaphylaxis – a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Nonherbal Tea Allergies

Components in nonherbal teas, such as black, green, oolong, and white teas, that can trigger allergic reactions include caffeine, tannins, and theanine. Individuals with caffeine allergies should avoid black tea, which has the highest caffeine content, while those sensitive to tannins may react more to green tea.

Herbal Tea Allergies

Herbal teas are made from a wide variety of botanicals, and allergies can arise from ingredients in the Asteraceae (daisy) family, like chamomile and echinacea, or the Malvaceae family, which includes hibiscus. Reading the ingredient list is crucial to avoid allergens.

Navigating Tea Allergies

For those with tea allergies or sensitivities, there are several alternatives to consider. Trying different types of tea, adjusting the steeping time, or opting for non-tea beverages like fruit juices or infused water can help find a suitable replacement.

Personalized Approach

Tea allergies and sensitivities are highly individual, and what may cause a reaction in one person may be well-tolerated by another. Experimenting with various teas and brewing methods, while closely monitoring reactions, can help individuals find the best solution for their unique needs.

Seeking Medical Advice

In the case of severe or persistent tea-related symptoms, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance on managing the allergy or sensitivity.

Can tea allergies be life-threatening?

Yes, in rare cases, tea allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

How can I determine if I’m allergic or sensitive to tea?

The best way to determine if you have a tea allergy or sensitivity is to consult with a healthcare professional, who can perform allergy testing or recommend an elimination diet to identify the specific tea components causing your symptoms.

Are there any safe tea alternatives for those with allergies?

Yes, there are numerous tea alternatives available for individuals with allergies or sensitivities, including fruit juices, infused waters, and caffeine-free herbal teas that do not contain the ingredients causing the reaction.

How can I minimize the risk of an allergic reaction when drinking tea?

To minimize the risk of an allergic reaction, it’s recommended to carefully read tea ingredient lists, start with small amounts, and monitor your body’s reaction. Adjusting the steeping time or trying different tea varieties may also help manage sensitivity.

Is it possible to develop a tea allergy later in life?

Yes, it is possible to develop a tea allergy at any stage of life, as the body’s immune system can become sensitized to tea components over time. If you experience new or worsening tea-related symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.

Can tea allergies be cured or managed?

While tea allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed by avoiding the specific tea components triggering the reaction and using appropriate medications or treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional to alleviate symptoms.

Why It Occurs, Symptoms, and How to Navigate

Whether it’s hot or iced, caffeinated or herbal, nothing is more soothing than a cup of tea — unless you’re allergic to it.

Tea allergies, while not unheard of, are rare. More commonly, people experience a sensitivity, or intolerance, to tea.

In this article, we’ll go over the differences between tea allergies and tea sensitivities. We’ll also discuss the various ingredients of tea that may spark allergic reactions, as well as tea alternatives.

Like all allergies, tea allergies create an immune response. This occurs when your body mistakenly perceives a substance as dangerous and tries to fight it off by producing antibodies. When triggered, these antibodies cause specific symptoms to occur.

If you have an allergy to tea, your symptoms may include:

• hives
• tingling or itching sensation in the mouth
• swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or face
• anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency

Anaphylaxis is a rare, severe type of allergic reaction. It’s potentially life threatening and a medical emergency.

If you or someone around you has symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.

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Allergy vs. sensitivity

The symptoms of tea intolerance or sensitivity differ somewhat from those of tea allergy. If you have an intolerance or sensitivity to tea, your symptoms may include:

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach cramps or pain
• heartburn
• bloating
• feelings of irritability

Teas are categorized as either herbal or nonherbal. You may be allergic or sensitive to components found in either or both types.

If you have an allergy to any component found in tea, you should avoid it completely. If you have a sensitivity to these compounds, you may be able to tolerate them in small amounts, particularly if your tea is only lightly brewed.

Nonherbal tea

Nonherbal teas — which include black, green, oolong, and white teas — contain varying amounts of the same components. It’s these components that cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in some people.

Components of nonherbal tea that can spark an allergic reaction include:

• caffeine
• tannins
• theanine

If you’re allergic to caffeine, avoid black tea.

One 2016 study found black tea contains the highest caffeine content of all nonherbal teas. Green tea was found to contain the most tannin, and both white and green tea contained more theanine than black tea.

Herbal tea

Herbal teas are made from the roots, leaves, stems, and flowers of an almost uncountable number of botanicals.

When choosing any herbal tea, make sure to read the ingredients list, so you can avoid substances you’re allergic or sensitive to.

Here are some of the different families of flower that may cause an allergic reaction for some people when used in tea.

Asteraceae family

There are several popular teas that are part of the Asteraceae (daisy) family.

One of these teas is chamomile. In rare cases, chamomile has been linked to allergic reactions when ingested or used topically.

If you’re allergic to any flowers or pollens in this family, you may be allergic or sensitive to chamomile. Flowers in this family include:

• ragweed
• daisies
• marigolds
• chrysanthemums

Echinacea is another botanical in the Asteraceae family that’s used to make tea. It may also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Malvaceae family

Hibiscus is a member of the Malvaceae family and may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to other plants in this family, such as hollyhocks.

Hibiscus also contains tannins and may cause a reaction to people with a tannin allergy.

For those people who find themselves living with a tea allergy, there are options available.

Try a different tea

There’s a dizzying array of both herbal and nonherbal teas to choose from. Chances are, if you’re allergic to one kind of tea, you’ll be able to enjoy another.

Try switching from herbal to nonherbal tea or vice versa. You may also swap out black tea for green, or you may try white tea if caffeine is a concern.

Adjust the steeping time

The length of time you brew any cup of tea will affect the quantity of allergens it contains.

If you have only a mild sensitivity to tea elements such as tannins, a light dunk instead of a long steep may be all you need in order to enjoy your favorite type.

Pick a different drink

Unfortunately, some people may not be able to drink tea at all based on their allergies. If this is the case, there are still ways to get the benefits of tea from other beverages.

Many herbal teas contain beneficial ingredients, like antioxidants. If you’re unable to tolerate most kinds of tea, you can also opt for drinks such as pomegranate or tomato juice.

On a hot day, ice water with lemon, lime, or cucumber slices can easily be swapped in for iced tea.

Tea allergies are rare, but they’ve been known to occur.

Nonherbal teas contain caffeine, tannins, and other components that can cause allergic reactions in some people. There are many types of herbal tea, some of which contain tannins and other compounds that can cause allergic reactions.

Herbal teas contain herbs that may come from families of flowers that are associated with allergic reactions in many people. The herbal tea most commonly linked to allergic reactions is chamomile.

If you’re allergic to one type of tea, you may be able to tolerate other types. Always read the ingredient label so that you can identify possible allergens.

Green Tea Allergy – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis

Drunk commonly in many different parts of Asia, green tea has many health benefits. Green tea is said to improve memory, reduce stress, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. However, green tea may cause a green tea allergy in some people.

A Brief Background

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology examined 11 workers at a Japanese green tea factory who had symptoms of asthma and nasal allergies. These allergies were caused due to green tea and mainly because of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), a potent polyphenol component of it. Such candidates only inhaled green tea dust. In order to experiment, 5 of these candidates drank green tea on top of inhaling it, and since they developed a food allergy, the results suggested that green tea was the culprit.

Consumption of food substances such as noodles or cakes that had some amounts of green tea or powder also worsened the condition of these candidates.

Green Tea Allergy Symptoms

Some of the green tea allergy symptoms include the following:

• Itchy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Teary eyes
• Itchy mouth
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Hives on the skin
• Itchy skin
• Swollen face
• A feeling of discomfort

 Some other side-effects of green tea include:

• Headaches/dizziness: some people may experience a headache after drinking green tea and that may be a result of the caffeine content in green tea
• Sleeplessness: Drinking too much green tea may disrupt your sleeping pattern.
• It can cause iron deficiency. The tannin content in green tea does not allow the blood to absorb iron efficiently, so even if your diet contains iron-rich foods, green tea may cause you to become iron-deficient.

Green Tea Components

Green tea is a non-herbal tea and it is made from the cooked camellia Sinensis plant. It contains different components that may cause an allergic reaction. Some of these allergy-causing symptoms include theanine, caffeine, and tannins. The content of these components depends upon many factors, such as how old the tea tree was, what part of the world it was grown in and the conditions provided for its growth, and its processing and brewing.

• Caffeine

The average amount of caffeine per 230 ml or 8 oz. serving varies from 30 and 50 mg. As compared to other drinks such as black tea, espresso, or instant coffee, green tea contains comparatively fewer amounts of caffeine. Caffeine is widely consumed and does not harm your health if consumed in small amounts. However, high quantities of caffeine in the blood may lead to dizziness, restlessness, anxiety, or experiencing insomnia.

It is best to not have high amounts of caffeine in one go and instead leave some time until your next cup. Since green tea contains only a limited amount of caffeine, caffeine usually does not show its side effects due to green tea consumption.

• Theanine

Another component in the green tea composition is the amino acid theanine. Theanine is good for health if consumed in moderate amounts and has many health benefits. It acts as an anxiety and stress reliever, helps lower blood pressure, strengthens the body’s immune system, and is also used to treat tumors or cancers. However, some manufacturers may alter the theanine content, and since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not handle the supplement, the component may adversely affect health.

For example, even though theanine has proved to treat tumors, nonherbal teas like green tea may have some other amino acids that hinder the treatment of cancers. The most potent polyphenol in green tea, EGCG (also a type of tannin), can potentially decrease the effect of bortezomib, a chemotherapy drug.

• Tannins

Tannins are commonly known as tannic acid and are a group of polyphenols in teas like green tea. They have some benefits, such as increasing the rate of blood clotting and reducing blood pressure levels. However, foods having tannins do not have a high nutritional value as they reduce growth in the body and decrease energy mobilization and protein digestion.

Since tannins irritate the digestive tract, they lead to issues related to digestion, such as diarrhea and stomach aches. Some reports suggest that tannins or the processes and components associated with tannins may also lead to carcinogenic activity in the body.

Diagnosing a Green Tea Allergy

If you experience any of the green tea allergy symptoms, visit your healthcare provider or allergist immediately so he may diagnose you and treat you accordingly. Your healthcare provider will ask you about your past medical and family history.

Green tea affects the way iron gets absorbed into the body, so if you are on iron supplements, tell your provider about it. Your provider may also examine you physically and perform a few tests to check for allergies. Most doctors use an oral food test to diagnose a green tea allergy. Others may also carry out a blood test to check for allergies, such as a radioallergosorbent test (RAST).

Allergies in the body activate the immune system to produce antibodies to fight off the allergens. In a RAST test, technicians check the number of antibodies in your blood to determine what type of allergy you have. However, testing for green tea allergy using a RAST test needs some work on it.

Treating a Green Tea Allergy

The best and most direct solution to treat a green tea allergy is to remove it from your diet completely. You should also avoid matcha, black, or oolong tea since these teas are also made from the same plant, and have tannin, caffeine, and theanine contents. Some people find it hard to let go of habits and cannot easily stop themselves from its consumption. Such people should look for other alternatives such as herbal teas or pomegranate and beet juice.

To combat green tea allergy symptoms such as skin reactions like hives, swelling, and nausea, a physician may assign you antihistamines. An EpiPen is assigned to those who have anaphylaxis due to an intense allergy and helps with epinephrine treatment.

Risks and Complications

• If you are pregnant, it is best to avoid green tea since the caffeine content will not allow your baby to sleep properly. It may also reduce your baby’s
• People with ulcers in their stomach lining should avoid green tea since it will only make it worse.
• If you are on chemotherapy, consult your doctor about green tea consumption.
• Since green tea contains caffeine which is a stimulant and may increase anxiety or increase the risk of issues related to the heart, children under 12 years of age should not consume it.
• Some people are sensitive to caffeine and may experience irritability, uneasiness, or restlessness after green tea consumption due to the caffeine content. These people are recommended to avoid green tea.

See Also: Alpha-Gal Allergy 

Conclusion

Green tea comes with many benefits, and its consumption all around the world is proof of its advantages. However, the components in green tea, such as caffeine and tannins may have adverse effects, which is why green tea consumption should be limited. Even though a green tea allergy is rare, if you experience any of the green tea allergy symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. We at Family Medicine Austin, have the facilities to diagnose allergies and help you with a follow-up treatment to ensure the quality of your life.

Found 6 arguments in favor of drinking green tea

Despite the fact that only 15% of Americans prefer green tea, drinking it may be more beneficial to health than black tea. Unlike green tea, black tea is processed in such a way that it reduces the amount of antioxidants and polyphenols. Black tea also contains fewer catechins, which generally points to a possible superiority of green tea over black tea in terms of health benefits. Among them, it is worth highlighting the following.

1. Allergy control. Scientists believe that green tea may need to be added to the arsenal of remedies for seasonal allergies due to the presence of epigallocatechin gallate in it, which appears to have anti-allergic properties. A 2007 study published in the journal Cytotechnology showed that a polyphenol found in tea can reduce pollen allergy. Thus, the methylated form of epigallocatechin gallate can inhibit immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is involved in the formation of an allergic reaction. Quercetin, a flavanol also found naturally in tea, can further alleviate the effects of histamine on the body during allergy season.

2. Improved vision. Carrots have long been regarded as a vision-enhancing food, but scientists speculate that the antioxidants and catechins found in green tea are able to penetrate the eye tissues and exhibit antioxidant activity there, which improves vision. In a 2001 animal experiment published in Experimental Eye Research, it was found that drinking green tea may help prevent the development of blindness-inducing cataracts.

3. Lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood. Eating a diet rich in fat increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to an increase in blood cholesterol levels. Partial replacement of such products with the use of green tea can reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood and, accordingly, this risk. It is believed that epigallocatechin gallate prevents the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. A 2011 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea consumption significantly lowered total cholesterol (7.2 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein (2.19mg/dl) in blood. The study also showed that drinking 5 cups of green tea per day provides the maximum effect in lowering blood cholesterol levels.

4. Keeping gums and teeth healthy. According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Periodontology, green tea consumption is inversely correlated with the development of periodontal disease, and its regular inclusion in the diet reduces the severity of periodontal symptoms, possibly due to the presence of catechins in it. The latter contribute to a decrease in the severity of inflammation in the body, and, therefore, prevents the development of periodontal inflammation. Also, the use of green tea helps to reduce the acidity of saliva and the formation of plaque, which makes it a tool for the prevention of caries and other diseases of the oral cavity.

5. Reducing the risk of oral cancer. The effect of epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant contained in green tea, on tumor cells contributes to their death by destroying mitochondria in cells. According to scientists, this component contributes to the formation of reactive oxygen species in tumor cells and damage to their mitochondria.

6. UV protection. The catechins found in green tea can make the skin more resistant to UV rays and therefore protect against premature aging. They may also help reduce redness of the skin after exposure to UV radiation. According to a 2013 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, daily consumption of green tea catechins at a relatively low dose (540 mg) in combination with 50 mg of vitamin C for 12 weeks, or consumption of 2 cups of green tea can significantly reduce the effect of UV radiation on the skin.

Based on materials from http://www.medicaldaily.com

Green tea in cosmetology

This fragrant tea, familiar and beloved by all of us, has long been used in China both as a medicine and as a means of prolonging youth. It was considered a drink of wisdom and health, and the Tibetan monks measured their path not in kilometers, but in bowls of drunk Green tea. After all, tea helped them not only to overcome steep mountain paths, but also to restore strength.

In China, the healing properties of green tea have been used for more than five thousand years. Medicinal infusions and extracts, powders and ointments were made from tea leaves. An ancient Chinese treatise says: “Tea inspires the spirit and heart, eliminates drowsiness, awakens Qi energy, harmonizes emotions, gives bodily lightness and clarifies the mind.”

And today, interest in the properties of this amazing plant has not only not faded, but is gaining momentum. After all, Green tea extract has its healing properties not only on the body, but also on the skin. The results of scientific research available today prove this fact. Moreover, Green tea extract practically does not cause allergic reactions, therefore it can be used in cosmetics for absolutely all skin types, and even the most sensitive.

Tea, or Camellia sinensis (Camellia sinensis) is a plant of the Camellia species, the Tea family (Theaceae). The family of these plants got its name from Carl Linnaeus, who named tea in honor of the botanist and missionary Georg Josef Kamel, who worked in the Philippines as a doctor and pharmacist.

Five types of tea are produced from the leaves of this plant: green, black, white, oolong and pu-erh. And the difference between them is only in the method of processing the tea leaf. Because green tea is not fermented, it contains a higher content of active ingredients than other types of tea.

Green tea is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, essential oils, vitamins (C, B1, B2, P, A, K, E), folic acid (vitamin B9), chlorophyll, trace elements (calcium, magnesium, manganese and etc. ) and many other components.

Main ingredients of Green Tea:

Polyphenols Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and Epigallocatechin (EGC) are the main components of Green Tea. They have scientifically proven powerful antioxidant, antitumor and antiviral effects. In combination with other polyphenols, they protect the skin from damage by UV rays, prevent photoaging, enhance the protective properties of the skin, have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, have healing properties, and promote the penetration of biologically active substances into the skin. They counteract the development of skin diseases, the destruction of collagen and elastin fibers, improve its color.

Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin) – improve microcirculation, regulate the tone of blood vessels, protect elastin and hyaluronic acid from destruction, prevent the manifestation of age-related skin changes, have a strong anti-edematous effect.

Caffeine/Theanine (alkaloids) – improve blood microcirculation, have lymphatic drainage and anti-edema effect, tone the skin, have a lifting effect.

L-theanine (alkaloid) – reduces the negative effects of the stress hormone cortisol on the skin.

Tannins – control the production of sebum, normalize the condition of oily skin. They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, actively protect the skin from the aggressive effects of negative environmental factors.

Chlorophyll – exhibits antibacterial, regenerating and healing properties. An excellent antioxidant.

Vitamin A – improves metabolism in skin cells, fights dryness, improves barrier functions.

Vitamin B2 – regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands, fights acne and hyperpigmentation.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) – promotes new cell growth, stimulates collagen synthesis, fights inflammation and pigmentation, protects the skin from UV radiation, smoothes the skin, forms a beautiful color. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis, rosacea, acne and other skin diseases.

Vitamin C – has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, promotes collagen synthesis and skin hydration, fights wrinkles and age spots, eliminates signs of premature aging.

Vitamin E is one of the strongest antioxidants. Slows down the aging process of the skin, protects it from damage by free radicals, improves skin condition.

Vitamin P (complex of bioflavonoids) – shows the ability to normalize capillary permeability, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, thereby eliminating subcutaneous hemorrhages, manifested as blue or reddening of certain areas of the skin. Promotes the absorption and accumulation of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Calcium – helps the skin to restore the required level of moisture, regulates the skin’s protective barrier.

Magnesium – has a relaxing effect on the skin, reduces the visibility of mimic wrinkles, prevents the development of allergic reactions.

Manganese – increases the synthesis of proteoglycans, which contributes to the preservation of skin elasticity and youth.

Green tea properties:

Antioxidant . Protects the skin from free radicals that accelerate skin aging. Allows you to prolong its freshness and youth.

Anticancer. Thanks to catechins, carcinogenic compounds are destroyed, the growth rate of malignant tumors is reduced.

Capillary protective. Stimulates microcirculation, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and increases their elasticity.

Decongestant. Helps eliminate puffiness and bags under the eyes.

Sebo-regulating. Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, reduces the production of sebum, eliminates oily sheen, helps cleanse the skin and narrow pores.

Anti-inflammatory. Effectively fights against various rashes and acne, prevents the appearance of inflammatory elements.

Healing. Promotes effective healing of skin lesions.

Moisturizing. Intensively moisturizes the skin, making it look much younger.

Nutritious. Meets all the nutritional needs of the skin. Thanks to this, the skin acquires a healthy look and beautiful color.

Anti-aging (anti-age). Fights wrinkles, smoothes the skin, gives it firmness and elasticity, tightens it. Prevents aging processes caused by glycation. Activates the processes of renewal and restoration of the skin.

Thanks to such a wide range of healing properties, Green Tea extract has found wide application not only in cosmetics, but also in the pharmaceutical industry.

Method for obtaining green tea extract

The most gentle and effective method for obtaining the extract is the extraction of tea leaves using carbon dioxide (CO2). This method makes it possible to obtain extracts of high concentration, similar in composition to natural raw materials, which cannot be achieved using other methods. At the same time, no solvents remain in the extract, which are used in other methods of obtaining extracts.

First, liquid CO2 is cooled to sub-zero temperatures and fed into the pump. Through high compression to 1,000 bar, the CO2 is simultaneously heated and brought into the supercritical state. Under these conditions, carbon dioxide exhibits the characteristics of both a gas and a liquid and is distinguished primarily by its excellent dissolving power. Due to its high fluidity, supercritical CO2 penetrates into the smallest pores of tea leaves and dissolves the necessary substances, extracting them from the raw materials. Then, by releasing the pressure and heating, the supercritical CO2 is again converted into a gaseous state and completely volatilizes, leaving only a pure extract. Due to its inherent inertness, CO2 does not react with the extract and does not change its properties.

Interesting facts

1. The first mention of the tea ceremony held in China dates back to 2737 BC. e.

2. The ancient Chinese called tea “the fire of life”.

3. Searchers for elixirs of youth considered tea one of the important components of this remedy.

4. Green tea is used in traditional medicine in China and India in the treatment of heart and brain diseases, wounds and bleeding, to reduce fever and strengthen immunity.

5. Black tea contains 50% less vitamin C than green tea.

6. 4 cups of Green tea contains as much Vitamin C as 7 citrus fruits.

7. Green tea eliminates bad breath and helps fight tooth decay.

8. Green tea contains a lot of antioxidants, therefore, when consumed, the immune system is strengthened. In addition, antioxidants help in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

9. Data published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2006 showed an association between green tea consumption and life expectancy. It turned out that in people who regularly consume Green tea, the overall mortality rate has decreased: in women by 23%, in men by 12%; from diseases of the heart and blood vessels – in women by 31%, in men – by 22%; from a stroke – in women by 42%, in men – by 35%.