Hawthorn Lotus Leaf Tea (Shan Zha He Ye Cha)

Why people make this tea

After a festival of rice dumplings and rich dishes, Nourilo says it’s easy to feel a bit bunged up and over-full. That’s exactly when he reaches for a cup of hawthorn and lotus leaf tea. Hawthorn (shan zha) is the classic helper for greasy, meaty food stagnation, and is also a well-loved ingredient for heart and blood-vessel wellness. Lotus leaf is traditionally cooling and supports the spleen. Together they make a refreshing summer tea to help dispel dampness, support slimming, and settle “heart fire” after over-indulgent eating.

Method

1. Put the ingredients into a pot.
2. Rinse once with boiling water, then discard that water.
3. Pour in fresh boiling water and steep, covered, 10 minutes before drinking.

Nourilo’s Tips

Red-skin, yellow-flesh northern hawthorn has the better effect. This tea is also welcome for those mindful of the “three highs” — but people with stomach ulcers or excess stomach acid, and pregnant women, should not take it.