Herbal & Flower Teas
Dandelion Tea
Traditionally used to clear heat and toxins and support the body during flu season
Why people make this tea
Flu still goes around, so Bro Niu reminds frailer elders and little ones to keep a mask on in crowded places. He has shared fresh wampee-leaf water before for fending off flu, and here is another simple option: dandelion tea. The whole dandelion plant is usable, and both the tender leaf and the chopped root are sold for tea — traditionally valued for clearing heat and toxins.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who want a simple, supportive herbal tea during flu season
- Those with a cold constitution can add a little ginger or aged tangerine peel to balance its coolness
- Caution: some people are allergic to dandelion — if you get all-over itching or a hives-like red rash after drinking it, stop. Not suitable during pregnancy.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Dandelion (pu gong ying): traditionally regarded as a heat-clearing, detoxifying herb that helps reduce swelling; it is associated with supporting the body against various heat-type complaints.
- Ginger (sheng jiang), optional: added for those with a cold constitution to take the chill off the cooling dandelion.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dandelion leaf or root | 1 tablespoon | |
| Fresh ginger | A few slices | Optional, for cold constitutions |
Method
- For the leaf: put the dandelion leaf in a pot, rinse once with boiling water, then pour in fresh boiling water and steep, covered, for 15 minutes.
- For the root: the root needs to be simmered in water for 15–20 minutes to draw out the flavour and properties.
Bro Niu’s tips
Dandelion tea is versatile and supportive during flu season, but some people are allergic to it — if you get all-over itching or a hives-like rash, do not take it again. It is also not suitable during pregnancy.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (SL): My 10-year-old has the flu — high fever, then a bad dry cough with no phlegm and a runny nose. What can I make to ease the cough? Does steamed orange or onion help? Bro Niu: You can steam some onion water for him. If the throat is red and swollen (a heat-type cough), use fresh long li ye ~75 g, half a gold monk fruit and 6–8 pieces of dried snow pear, simmered as a tea for the whole family — traditionally helps clear heat and ease the cough.
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Q (Jessica): My 6-year-old has acute suppurative otitis media (a middle-ear infection). What can I cook to help? He has an allergic constitution. Bro Niu: A middle-ear infection needs proper ear drops from the doctor. Meanwhile avoid “triggering” foods — bamboo shoots, goose, rooster, and go easy on shrimp, crab, mango and pineapple. You can make cooling sweet soups or teas such as imperatae-cane-carrot-water chestnut water, mulberry-and-chrysanthemum tea, lemon-barley water or dandelion tea.
Published April 10, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
