Asparagus Root, Ophiopogon Root, and Loquat Leaf Tea

Why people make this tea

Following his earlier recommendation of a green olive and radish soup for those affected by airborne irritants, Nourilo suggested this second recipe — a simpler herbal tea — for anyone wanting to support and protect the lungs from the inside. It draws on three ingredients with well-established reputations in Chinese herbal food therapy: asparagus root (tian dong), ophiopogon (mai dong), and loquat leaf (pi pa ye). Together they form a cooling, moistening, and calming brew that supports the respiratory mucous membranes and helps the body resist heat-related lung damage.

Method

1. Soak and rinse all three ingredients.
2. Place in a pot with 1.5 L of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the liquid reduces to 900 ml.
3. Stir in rock sugar and dissolve.
4. Serve warm. Drink in portions throughout the day.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is particularly suited to people with a dry cough related to lung dryness. It is not suitable for those with a cold constitution or a cold-type cough — if your cough produces pale, watery phlegm and tends to worsen in cold conditions, this is not the right tea for you. People with weak digestion (spleen-stomach deficiency) should also be cautious, as the herbs are cold in nature.