Q. I read on your website that Earl Grey tea may cause muscle cramps. Since I don’t like the flavor of Earl Grey, this has not been a problem for me. I did discover (thanks to your book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy) that I am sensitive to chamomile. The stomach cramps that I was experiencing went away as soon as I discontinued my daily cup of chamomile tea.
A. Chamomile tea has a reputation for being helpful for digestive disorders, but not everyone can tolerate it. Although allergic reactions are uncommon, some people experience rash, stomach cramps, swollen lips or throat or trouble breathing after consuming chamomile tea. Thank you for sharing your experience. Others who have allergies to ragweed or chrysanthemums may also be sensitive to chamomile, since they are distantly related.
Other types of tea may also cause problems for certain individuals, as readers have told us.
JLG wrote:
“My severe leg cramps were definitely attributable to green tea. I stopped drinking it and they went away. I drink a lot of black tea (it’s my coffee!) and it does not cause me any cramping problems.”
Bill the Psychiatrist MD agreed:
“My wife’s leg cramps (worse at night) are due to drinking tea (green). A cup of hot chocolate at bedtime helps her because the calcium and magnesium also cause muscle cramps to disappear. Night leg cramps is a common condition.”
Maria reported:
“I found that Earl Grey tea was making my asthma a lot worse. I stopped drinking it and got better within a few days.”
