Earl Grey tea linked to muscle pain

November 29, 2007 at 2:00a.m.

Q. Is it Earl Grey or English breakfast tea that can cause sore muscles?

A. There is one case report of a man who developed significant muscle pain and cramping in reaction to Earl Grey tea (The Lancet, April 27, 2002). We have also heard from a few readers who had similar problems.

Earl Grey tea is flavored with oil from the citrus fruit bergamot. This oil contains bergapten, a natural compound that can block the flow of potassium in and out of cells. Muscle cells rely on potassium flow, so that might explain the connection. Most people do not seem to suffer this kind of reaction, so those who do may be exceptionally sensitive.

Q. I tried making a cinnamon extract with hot water to help with blood sugar as described in your column. I ended up with a gooey glob. Please provide exact proportions of spice to water so I don’t have to deal with the mess.

A. Research shows that 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon before a meal can reduce the rise in blood sugar after eating. We worry, however, that the spice could contain coumarin, a compound that occurs naturally in cinnamon. Regular intake of coumarin could damage the liver.

We suggested putting 1⁄4 or 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon in a paper coffee filter and pouring a cup of hot water over it. The resulting liquid contains the active ingredient without coumarin.

One reader has a slightly different technique: “I put about 2 teaspoons cinnamon in my coffee filter and then put my coffee grounds on top so I get the benefits of the cinnamon and it cuts any bitterness from the coffee. I turned all my family and friends on to this, and my mother-in-law was able to go off her diabetes medicine that she’d been on for years!”

We imagine that 2 teaspoons of cinnamon is enough for a whole pot of coffee. Anyone who uses cinnamon to lower blood sugar should be under medical supervision and should monitor blood glucose regularly.

Q. I’ve been reading your column in the newspaper and enjoy sharing your wonderful tidbits with friends. They laugh, but sometimes they will ask about a remedy weeks or months later, when I no longer have it at my fingertips. Do you have a book that provides these gems in one place? I am looking for a holiday gift for my neighbor.

A. Our book “Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy” provides lots of remedies as well as advice on more conventional treatments for a wide range of conditions. You’ll find it at your local bookseller, or you can order the expanded edition (a 524-page hardback) online at www.peoplespharmacy.com.

X In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.