Natural Remedies for Summer Allergies: 3 Japanese Teas to Soothe Your Symptoms

Summer marks warmer temperatures and longer days, but also pollen that can trigger pesky allergies. If you find yourself battling sneezes, an inflamed throat, or itchy eyes, Japanese teas can offer a natural and soothing remedy to allergy symptoms. At Senbird, we are passionate about the wellness benefits of tea, and we’ve curated a list of three teas from our collection that can help alleviate your summer allergy symptoms.

The information presented in this article is in no way intended as medical advice or as a substitute for medical treatment. You should always consult with your physician or other health care professional before adopting any treatment for a health problem.

1. Sencha Green Tea

Sencha is a classic Japanese green tea known for its refreshing flavor and powerful health benefits. Rich in catechins, Sencha boasts natural antihistamine properties that can help reduce the body's response to allergens. The antioxidants in Sencha also boost the immune system, providing a holistic approach to combating summer allergy symptoms.

Benefits for Allergies:

• Pollen Allergies: Catechins in Sencha act as natural antihistamines, reducing the body’s reaction to pollen (source: Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 2007). 
• Immune Support: Antioxidants in Sencha strengthen the immune system, helping to fend off allergic reactions (source: Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2008).

Suggested Brew:

Heat fresh, unfiltered water until boiled, then pour over your tea leaves and steep for 1-2 minutes. The recommended water temperature for Sencha is 80°C (176°F). The flavor will be lighter and sweeter when brewed at lower temperatures such as 70°C (158°F). Try different brew times and temperatures to find your preference! To enjoy iced, brew as normal, then remove the tea leaves and allow the brew to come to room temperature. Let chill in the fridge for 4-5 hours and enjoy over ice.

2. Matcha Otome

Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves, offering a concentrated dose of antioxidants and catechins. This makes it an excellent choice for reducing inflammation and alleviating allergy symptoms. The high chlorophyll content in matcha also helps detoxify the body, promoting overall wellness. Our Matcha Otome is a ceremonial-grade matcha with a vibrant green hue and a smooth, umami flavor. 

Benefits for Allergies:

• Inflammatory Throat: Catechins and antioxidants reduce inflammation and soothe the throat (source: Journal of Medicinal Food, 2010).
• Detoxification: Chlorophyll in matcha helps detoxify the body, reducing the burden on the immune system (source: Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2014).

Suggested Use:

Add 1 teaspoon of Matcha Otome into a small bowl – we recommend sifting the matcha to avoid clumping. Then, heat water to 80°C (176°F) and add to the bowl. Whisk in a W motion until foam covers the top. Enjoy as is for a traditional matcha experience or poured over ice and milk for a refreshing iced latte.