Spleen-Supporting Dampness-Clearing Tea

Why people make this tea

In Hong Kong’s muggy weather many people feel heavy, puffy and sluggish — the classic sense of “damp.” Nourilo’s everyday dampness-clearing tea uses gentle, common ingredients like smilax, adzuki bean, barley and rush pith. It is traditionally enjoyed to support the spleen, clear damp, ease the joints and reduce puffiness in the limbs. You can buy a ready-made dampness-clearing soup pack too — the exact mix varies, but they’re usually mild enough for the whole family.

Method

1. Rinse all the ingredients separately.
2. Add honey dates or lean meat if you like.
3. Put everything in a pot with 2.1–2.4 L of water and simmer 1 hour down to 1.2 L; serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Ready-made dampness-clearing soup packs are sold at most Chinese herb shops; the exact ingredients vary, but they’re usually mild and family-friendly. Remember, pregnant women should leave out the Job’s tears and use black-eyed peas or mung beans instead.