Fresh Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb and Juncus Tea

Why people make this tea

When babies and toddlers cry through the night without an obvious cause — hunger, cold, heat, insect bites, or a wet nappy — Chinese food-therapy tradition looks to the possibility of too much “heart fire,” a concept roughly describing internal heat affecting the nervous system. This simple three-ingredient tea is made precisely for little ones who cry at night with a flushed face, red lips, and a warm belly. The tea has almost no herbal bitterness, making it one of the friendlier remedies to give young children. Nourilo notes that prevention starts during pregnancy: a balanced, moderate diet avoiding both extreme cold foods and spicy, fried foods lays a good foundation for the baby’s constitution.

Method

1. Rinse fresh lotus seeds and split them open — do not remove the inner green embryo.
2. Rinse lily bulb and juncus bundles briefly, then soak for a few minutes to remove any dust.
3. Combine all ingredients with 1.2 L of water in a pot.
4. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 30 minutes until reduced to 300 ml.
5. Strain and allow to cool to a suitable temperature before offering to the child.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is naturally light and fragrant with almost no medicinal taste, making it easy for babies and toddlers to accept. If fresh lotus seeds are unavailable, look for dried lotus seeds that have been kept with the embryo intact (labelled “you xin lian zi” — “lotus seeds with heart”). Soak them until soft, then crack them open before cooking. The little green embryo is the key part for clearing heart-heat. Offer the tea at a comfortable warm temperature.