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Back in 1773, demonstrators in Boston, colonial Massachusetts, threw 300 chests full of tea into the harbour in protest at British taxes - a key moment which sparked the American Revolution.
"I certainly did not mean to cause a diplomatic incident," Prof Francl, a professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, tells the BBC.
"My emails have been going crazy today. I did not anticipate waking up this morning to see loads of people talking about salt in their tea."
So why add salt?
It turns out that it is not a new idea - the ingredient is even mentioned in eighth century Chinese manuscripts, which Prof Francl analysed to perfect her recipe.
"What is new is our understanding of it as chemists," Prof Francl said.
She explains that salt acts as a blocker to the receptor which makes tea taste bitter, especially when it has been stewed.
By adding a pinch of table salt - an undetectable amount - you will counteract the bitterness of the drink.
"It is not like adding sugar. I think people are afraid they will be able to taste the salt."
She urges tea-loving Brits to have an open mind before pre-judging her.
It turns out that it is not a new idea - the ingredient is even mentioned in eighth century Chinese manuscripts, which Prof Francl analysed to perfect her recipe.
"What is new is our understanding of it as chemists," Prof Francl said.
She explains that salt acts as a blocker to the receptor which makes tea taste bitter, especially when it has been stewed.
By adding a pinch of table salt - an undetectable amount - you will counteract the bitterness of the drink.
"It is not like adding sugar. I think people are afraid they will be able to taste the salt."
She urges tea-loving Brits to have an open mind before pre-judging her.
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