Fresh Cogongrass Root, Lotus Node & Pear Drink

Why people make this drink

When autumn arrives, the air turns drier and children who are prone to heat can start getting nosebleeds. In traditional food therapy, this is understood as blood heat — too much internal fire drying out the delicate nasal membranes. The good news is that the first response is simple: keep the child calm, hold their head upright, and plug the bleeding nostril gently with a small roll of clean cotton wool. A cold wet cloth pressed on the back of the neck helps too. Once things settle, a drink like this one can be made to help cool things down.

This drink has been a staple of Cantonese grandmothers for generations. It’s mild enough for toddlers yet effective enough for adults, and has a pleasantly sweet, slightly earthy flavor most children will accept willingly.