Fresh Lemon and Mint Tea

Why people make this tea

Nourilo is someone who takes dental health seriously — having lost three teeth from poor dental care during pregnancy, she now brushes thoroughly and gets a clean every six months. She rarely has gum problems or bad breath as a result. But bad breath is a common and socially difficult problem for many people: no amount of gum-chewing or water seems to help. This two-ingredient tea is elegant in its simplicity. Fresh lemon has well-documented antibacterial properties that directly target the harmful bacteria in the mouth responsible for odour. Fresh mint — used whole, stems and leaves together — contains menthol, which effectively neutralises bad breath compounds and cools what traditional food therapy calls “stomach fire.” Together they make an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory tea that is also helpful for indigestion and wind-heat headaches.

Method

1. Rinse the mint thoroughly, using both the stems and leaves.
2. Place the mint in a small pot with 2 cups of water.
3. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the rock sugar and stir to dissolve.
5. Turn off the heat. Add the lemon slices and leave to steep for a few minutes before drinking.
6. Drink warm. Re-steep or chew a leaf or two of the mint for best effect.

Nourilo’s Tips

• For best results, eat a few of the mint leaves while drinking the tea — the direct contact with oral tissue is more effective.
• This tea also helps with indigestion and headaches caused by wind-heat.
• When choosing fresh mint at the market, look for sprigs with lots of leaves, a deep green colour, and a strong menthol fragrance. To store unused mint, wrap in dry kitchen paper and refrigerate — it keeps well for 4–5 days.