Cogon Grass, Sugar Cane, Carrot and Coix Seed Water

Why people make this drink

Spring and early summer are seasons when many people feel heavy, sluggish or notice damp-heat symptoms — that vague sense of being foggy-headed, skin that flares easily, or a body that just feels “stuck.” This lightly sweet herbal drink has been a household go-to in Cantonese food therapy for generations. The combination of cogon grass root, sugar cane, carrot and raw coix seeds works together in a time-honoured way: clearing lingering heat from the body while gently shifting dampness outward. It is pleasant to drink and mild enough for children, which is why families return to it again and again whenever the weather turns hot and humid.

Method

1. Rinse the cogon grass root thoroughly and cut into shorter sections.
2. Split the sugar cane sections lengthwise down the middle.
3. Peel the carrot and cut into rough chunks.
4. Rinse and soak the raw coix seeds for about 30 minutes, then drain.
5. Place all ingredients into a pot with 2.1 L of water.
6. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour until reduced to approximately 1.2 L.
7. Serve warm. The drink can be drunk freely throughout the day.

Nourilo’s Tips

This drink has a pleasant natural sweetness — children generally enjoy it without any added sugar. It works well as an everyday warm-weather wellness drink. If you are pregnant, simply leave out the coix seeds and add 6 water chestnuts instead; the result is equally refreshing and safe. If you want to use this for general heat-clearing rather than dampness relief, you can omit the coix seeds for everyone.