Tea and Allergy - Cause Sore Tongue?

by Sore Tongue
(Clive, IA, USA)

I bought this wonderful loose leaf tea from our brand new store in our new mall It was great! After drinking three 16 oz. mugs of this tea, my tongue began to feel a little numb. By the next day my tongue felt sore. It stayed sore. I knew I needed to just lay off the tea.

I went to a Nutrition Health food store. They suggested I take a Coenzyme B Complex vitamin. Maybe I have a lack of vitamin B6 and B12. This would take care of it. Also suggested Aloe Juice to soothe my tongue. By now, it has mostly gone away (It's been about a week).

Tonight I drank regular iced tea (black tea) and I felt it affecting my tongue a little. I later made hot tea... herbal tea (the lemon and honey flavor). It doesn't seem to affect my tongue.

Have you ever heard of such a thing? Should I avoid tea altogether, or would you say herbal teas are okay? Do I have an allergy to certain teas? Or is it just a lack of Vitamin B?

Answer:

Hey, I am not a doctor, but from what you describe, it looks like you are having a food allergy.

And yes, tea contains tannins (catechins, caffeine) that may cause allergy. It is not well known, but is actually quite common.

This article below will explain more:

Tea and Allergy

Herbal teas do not contain catechins/caffeine so it is possible they are less likely to cause allergy.

I am not entirely convinced by Vitamin B, but if it works for it that is good.

If you still want to experiment with proper (non herbal) tea, try get an unflavoured version next time, as food additives may cause allergy.

I hope this helps. Good luck and keep in touch.