Wu-Long is one of a variety of teas that are produced from the Camellia sinensis tea bush. Like other types of tea produced from this plant, Wu-Long tea offers numberous health benefits, but it may also have some side effects. While clinical studies on the specific side effects of this beverage are limited, Wu-long tea contains high levels of caffeine and tannins, for which a number of side effects have been reported.
Caffeine Intolerance
Wu-Long tea contains higher levels of caffeine than either green tea or white tea. For this reason, people who are hypersensitive to caffeine may experience an allergic reaction, which causes hives or a skin rash. The severity of such an allergic reaction, as well as other side effects of Wu-long tea, will vary from one person to the next, based on individual characteristics such as build, body mass and age.
Toxicity
In 1999, the Kitasato University School of Medicine profiles the case of a patient who suffered caffeine toxicity from consuming large amounts of Wu-long tea. (See Resources below). The patient's massive ingestion of the tea, as much as 15 liters a day, was believed to have caused delirium and a condition called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that results from damage to the muscle cells, which the report attributes to caffeine toxicity.
Nervous System Stimulant
The caffeine content in Wu-long tea has a stimulative effect on the sympathetic nervous system. This can interfere with sleep patterns, causing insomnia and sleep deprivation. This stimulative effect can also cause jitters, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, tremors and agitation. Since caffeine is readily transferred via breast milk, nursing babies whose mothers consume large amounts of Wu-Long tea may exhibit these side effects.
Diuretic
Caffeine has a diuretic effect on the kidneys, causing an increase in the production of urine. This has a dehydrating effect on the body, which it causes to lose water at a faster pace. Caffeine's diuretic properties may also worsen incontinence, and it may decrease levels of sodium and potassium in the blood stream.
Hypoglycemia and Heart Rhythm Abnormalities
The caffeine in Wu-Long tea may raise blood sugar levels and should be avoided or used with caution by diabetics. A high intake of Wu-Long tea may trigger heart palpitations and irregular heartbeats, which can have harmful effects on people with a history of heart conditions.
Indigestion
The tannin and caffeine content in Wu-Long tea may cause indigestion by stimulating the stomach to increase production of gastric acids. This increased production can aggravate conditions such as heartburn and gastric ulcers, which are caused by highly acidic conditions in the stomach.
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