Lotus Seed, Ophiopogon & Juncus Tea

Why people make this tea

Bad breath is one of those problems that people are quietly embarrassed about but rarely talk about directly. It affects confidence in social situations and can create distance between people who do not know how to mention it. In traditional Chinese food therapy, persistent bad breath from overindulgence in spicy or fried foods, chronic late nights with too little water, or excess “stomach fire” is a condition with a well-understood pattern — and a classic remedy.

Young adults who keep late hours and drink too little water often develop liver fire and stomach heat, which manifests in the breath. Older adults may experience it differently, as the salivary glands slow down and the resulting dryness allows odor-causing bacteria to multiply. And of course, dental disease (gum inflammation, cavities, decay) is its own category entirely — food therapy will not substitute for a dentist visit there.

This tea targets the fire-type bad breath: the kind that comes with a slightly bitter or sour taste, a dry mouth, a yellow-coated tongue, and a general sense of inner heat.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients briefly. Soak the ophiopogon root for a few minutes to soften.
2. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 1.5 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for 45 minutes.
4. Pour and drink. Take for 3 consecutive days.

Nourilo’s Tips

Beyond food therapy, it helps to be aware of the lifestyle triggers: smoking, alcohol, excessive coffee, and foods with strong persistent odors (raw onion, chives, garlic) all contribute to bad breath and should be moderated.

To scale up for a family of 4: use 75 g (80 g) lotus seeds with core, 38 g (40 g) ophiopogon, and keep the juncus at 11 g (11 g). Add 2.1 L of water and simmer to 1.2 L.

If you can only find dried lotus seed core (lian zi xin) rather than whole lotus seeds with the core, it works well for clearing heat — it is intensely bitter, so use a smaller amount. Nourilo notes it can also support normal blood pressure.