Yu Gan Zi (Emblica) Tea

Why people make this tea

You’ll find Indian gooseberry (you gan zi) at herb and flower stalls — a sour, astringent little fruit many people pass over. But Nourilo has a soft spot for it: it is traditionally associated with quenching thirst, easing a sore throat, and supporting healthy blood-sugar levels. In recent years it’s sold dried, which makes it easy to brew. On its own it makes a thirst-quenching tea; paired with chamomile and eucommia it becomes a pleasant everyday tea for those keeping an eye on blood sugar.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients; if using fresh fruit, crush it with the back of a knife to loosen it.
2. First simmer the gooseberry and eucommia in 1.5 L of water for 45 minutes.
3. Add the chamomile and boil another 10 minutes, then serve as a tea.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea also suits people watching blood pressure, blood lipids and cholesterol. If you can’t find Indian gooseberry, hawthorn (shan zha) makes a good substitute. Because it is tart, drink it after meals if you have an acidic stomach; a piece of monk fruit added in sweetens it without affecting blood sugar.