The history of tea in China dates back to 3000 B.C.; the drink has since played an important role in the country's economic, cultural and social development. Eight classes of Chinese tea include green tea, oolong, black, herbal, red, white, yellow and compressed. People outside China may be familiar with the first four, with green tea, perhaps, being the most recognized. Researchers and tea lovers have hailed Chinese teas' health benefits. However, like most teas, many Chinese teas contain caffeine and other elements that may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Nevertheless, Chinese tea is sometimes used to fight allergies.
Green Tea
Though loaded with powerful antioxidants, green tea is not for everyone. Some people are allergic to tannin and caffeine, which are found in green tea. Symptoms range from swollen tongue to skin rashes. When contrasted with other Chinese and non-Chinese teas, though, green tea is considerably milder because it is made from unfermented leaves. According to researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, green tea contains anti-allergenic compounds that help fight allergic reactions. If you are not allergic to tannin or caffeine, drinking green tea may actually improve your other allergies.
Herbal Tea
Chinese herbal teas are often known as scented or flower teas. Some contain just herbal ingredients, such as chrysanthemum, while others are a blend of flowers and tea, such as jasmine tea. People with oral allergy syndrome are allergic to pollen, and therefore may react negatively to certain fruits and vegetables. Always check an herbal tea packet's ingredients before consuming it.
Honeybee Allergy
Many people like to add honey as a sweetener to their Chinese tea. Honeybee allergy, on the other hand, is a well-established health condition. If you have this allergy, avoid purchasing packaged Chinese iced teas, as honey is often used as a main ingredient.
Black Tea
Black tea is made from the same plant as green tea, but with a much higher concentration of caffeine. Symptoms of caffeine allergy include chest pains, hyperventilation, heart palpitations, tightness of the throat and difficulty breathing. Consult with your doctor if you suspect you have this kind of allergy.
References
- All Allergy: Substance Info -- Tea
- Amazing Green Tea: Green Tea and Allergy Reactions
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Medical Reference -- Green Tea
- "ScienceDaily"; Green Tea May Fight Allergies; September 2002
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Oral Allergy Syndrome
- "Allergy"; Allergy to Honey -- Relation to Pollen and Honey Bee Allergy"; A. Helbling, et al.; February 1992
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