Wampee Leaf Tea

Why people make this tea

During Lunar New Year, Cantonese flower markets are full of bundles of wampee leaves tied together with pomelo leaves. The pomelo leaf bundle is traditionally used for cleansing rituals and freshening the home; the wampee leaf bundle serves a different purpose — it is taken indoors and brewed into a tea. According to classical herb references, wampee leaves contain volatile oils, phenols, flavonoid glycosides, and amino acids. Their aroma is pleasantly fragrant; their nature is described as acrid, slightly bitter, and mildly warm. Because they lean warm rather than cold, they are considered suitable even for people with a more delicate constitution. Traditionally, a cup of this tea during flu season is considered a simple way to support the body’s natural defences.