tea allergy

Tea Allergy, Symptoms, and How to Treat It?

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Can You Be Allergic to Tea?

Unless you’re allergic to tea, nothing is as soothing as a cup of tea, hot or iced, caffeinated or herbal.

There are rare cases of tea allergies, although they are not unheard of. It is more common for people to have tea sensitivities or intolerances.

As part of this article, we will discuss the differences between tea allergies and tea sensitivities. As well as discussing tea alternatives, we will also discuss the various tea ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions.

What are the symptoms of a tea allergy?

The immune system responds to tea allergies in the same way as it does to any other allergy. In this case, your body produces antibodies to fight off a substance that it believes is dangerous. It is these antibodies that cause specific symptoms to occur when they are triggered.

You may experience the following symptoms if you have an allergy to tea:

  • Hives
  • An itching or tingling sensation in the mouth
  • Lips, Throats, Tongues, Or Face Swelling

A medical emergency is anaphylaxis

The anaphylactic reaction is a rare and severe type of allergic reaction. Medical emergency with potential life-threatening consequences.

Dial 911 or go to the emergency room as soon as you feel symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Sensitivity vs. allergies

In contrast to tea allergies, symptoms of tea intolerance or sensitivity are somewhat different. Your symptoms may include the following if you have a tea intolerance or sensitivity:

  • Nausea And Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach Cramps Or Pain
  • Heartburn
  • Bloating
  • Feelings Of Irritability

Are there different types of tea allergies?

Herbal and nonherbal teas can be categorized accordingly. Either or both types of components may cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity in you.

It is recommended that you avoid tea completely if you have an allergy to any of its components. It is possible to tolerate these compounds in small amounts if you have a sensitivity to them, particularly if the tea is only lightly brewed.

Nonherbal tea

There are various amounts of the same ingredients in black, green, oolong, and white teas that are not herbal. Many people experience allergic reactions or sensitivities because of these components.

An allergic reaction to nonherbal tea may be triggered by the following ingredients:

  • Tannins
  • Thenine
  • Caffeine

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

According to a 2016 study by Trusted Source, black tea contains the highest level of caffeine among all nonherbal teas. Tannin levels were found to be highest in green tea, while theanine levels were highest in white tea and green tea.

Herbal tea

It is estimated that there are almost uncountable botanicals that can be used to make herbal teas, including their roots, leaves, stems, and flowers.

It is important to read the ingredients list of any herbal tea you choose, so that you do not consume substances to which you may be allergic or sensitive.

Some people may be allergic to certain types of flowers when used in tea, so here are a few examples.

Asteraceae family

The Asteraceae (daisy) family is known for producing several popular teas.

Chamomile tea is one of them. The consumption of chamomile or its topical application has been linked to allergic reactions in some rare cases.

You may be allergic or sensitive to chamomile if you are allergic to any of the flowers in this family. Among the flowers in this family are:

  • ragweed
  • daisies
  • marigolds
  • chrysanthemums

Among the botanicals in the Asteraceae family, echinacea is also used in tea making. There is also a possibility that some people may experience allergic reactions to it.

Malvaceae family

The hibiscus belongs to the Malvaceae family, which includes other plants such as hollyhock, which may cause allergic reactions.

Those with allergies to tannins may also react to hibiscus because it contains tannins.

What’s the best way to navigate a tea allergy?

The tea allergy can be managed. There are options available to those with a tea allergy.

Give a different tea a try

Choosing from a dizzying array of herbal and nonherbal teas can be overwhelming. There’s a good chance that even if you’re allergic to one kind of tea, you’ll be able to enjoy another.

Changing from herbal to nonherbal tea can be a good idea. In addition to black tea, you may substitute green tea or white tea if you want to avoid caffeine.

Adjust the steeping time

You can change the quantity of allergens in tea by brewing it for a longer or shorter period of time.

It may be enough to dunk your favorite tea instead of steeping it for a long time if you only have a mild sensitivity to tea elements such as tannins.

Pick a different drink

Certain allergies may prevent people from drinking tea at all. The benefits of tea can still be obtained from other beverages if this is the case.

There are many beneficial ingredients in herbal teas, such as antioxidants. In addition to tea, you can also try pomegranate or tomato juice if you cannot tolerate most types of tea.

Iced tea can easily be substituted for iced water on a hot day with lemon, lime, or cucumber slices.

Takeaway

There have been cases of tea allergies, but they are rare.

It is possible for some people to experience allergic reactions to nonherbal teas because they contain caffeine, tannins, and other components. Herbal tea comes in many varieties, some of which contain tannins and other compounds that are allergenic.

There are many people who experience allergic reactions to herbal teas because herbs from certain flower families are often used in teas. There is a connection between chamomile and allergic reactions more often than other herbal teas.

It is possible that you can tolerate other types of tea if you are allergic to one type. It is always a good idea to read the ingredients label so that you can identify possible allergens.

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