Hawthorn Cassia Lotus Leaf Tea

Why people make this tea

Nourilo is direct about this: there are no miracle shortcuts for weight management. Rapid-loss methods found in the marketplace often come at a cost to the body. What works — slowly and sustainably — is changing how you eat: smaller portions, stopping at seventy percent full, and consistent, moderate movement. This tea is designed to support that process, not replace it. Hawthorn is widely appreciated in Chinese cooking and medicine for its ability to help the body break down fatty, heavy foods. Cassia seeds support the liver and bowels; lotus leaf is associated with reducing fat stored in the body; and chrysanthemum adds a cooling, liver-clearing effect. Drunk for two to three weeks consecutively, this combination is traditionally considered helpful for shedding excess oiliness from the system and supporting healthy circulation.

Method

1. Place all four ingredients into a muslin tea bag or fine strainer basket.
2. Put the bag into a teapot.
3. Pour a small amount of boiling water over the ingredients and swirl briefly; discard this rinse water.
4. Add fresh boiling water and steep, covered, for 10 minutes.
5. Drink warm. The tea can be re-steeped until the flavour fades.
6. Drink once daily for 2–3 consecutive weeks; then reduce to 3–4 times per week for maintenance.

Nourilo’s Tips

To make a large batch that stores well: dry-roast the cassia seeds in a clean dry pan over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, then add the remaining three ingredients and roast together for another 3 minutes. Let cool completely and pack into tea bags. This kills any insect eggs and allows long storage without refrigeration. For the best results, drink this tea as part of a broader commitment to smaller portions and regular movement — the tea supports the process but cannot do the work alone. Use a clay, ceramic or enamel pot — hawthorn is acidic and should not be cooked in bare iron or aluminium.