Wampee Leaf, Ginger and Brown Sugar Tea

Why people make this tea

Fresh wampee leaves — the aromatic leaves of the wampee fruit tree (Clausena lansium) — are a seasonal staple in southern Chinese wellness tradition, often appearing alongside pomelo leaves around Chinese New Year. Generations of southern Chinese families have used these leaves in daily wellness rituals, with a long history in folk medicine for supporting resistance to seasonal flu and even meningitis-type fevers. During flu season, Nourilo brews up a big batch of this warming tea for the whole family. The aroma is pleasant and distinctive, and the tea makes for an easy daily preventive measure.

Method

1. Wash the wampee leaves thoroughly. Tear or cut them into smaller pieces to help release their aromatic compounds.
2. Combine the wampee leaves and ginger slices in a pot with 1.8 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes until the liquid reduces to approximately 4 cups.
4. Add brown sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
5. Strain and serve warm. Can be drunk throughout the day by the whole family.

Nourilo’s Tips

In southern China, pomelo leaves and wampee leaves are traditionally sold together as a seasonal pair. While pomelo leaves are more commonly used in a bath or body rinse (a ritual for washing away last year’s negativity), wampee leaves are ideal for brewing and drinking. If fresh wampee leaves are only available during the New Year period, buy an extra bunch and dry them for use throughout the year — dried wampee leaves still retain their aromatic properties.