Fighting Japanese Allergies

I had lunch with my student, Sumiyo, yesterday at her house and I was constantly reaching for the kleenex box. She offered me several solutions. First was a Chinese tea powder:

I thought I would mix the powder with some hot water, but instead she offered me a spoonful and some water to wash it down! This was no sugar either, after a small puff of green from my mouth, I had it down. Blech. If it helps my allergies though, I'll try it!

The second solution is pretty standard in Japan. A face mask. As I walked from the train station to my car, I noticed that about every other person I saw was wearing a mask. Maybe I fit in more with a mask on than without in Japan!