Hawthorn Berry & Lotus Leaf Tea

Why people make this tea

Hawthorn berries (shan zha) are one of the most widely used digestive aids in Chinese food therapy. They contain a fat-digesting enzyme (lipase) that helps the body break down fatty and greasy foods more efficiently, which is why this tea is particularly popular after a heavy meal. For children, it is a classic remedy for food stagnation (“shi zhi” — that overstuffed, uncomfortable feeling after eating too much). For adults looking to manage their weight over time, combining hawthorn with lotus leaf is a traditional and still very common pairing: lotus leaf is associated with clearing heat, reducing fluid retention, and supporting the metabolism of fats in traditional Chinese medicine. Together, this tea is best enjoyed after lunch or dinner as a pleasant, tart digestive drink.

Method

1. Place the hawthorn berries and lotus leaf tea in a heatproof mug or teapot. Pour over a small amount of boiling water to give a quick rinse, then drain.
2. Pour in enough fresh boiling water to fill the cup (about 300–350 ml).
3. Steep for 10 minutes.
4. Drink warm, ideally after a meal. The tea can be re-steeped until the flavour fades.

Nourilo’s Tips

Nourilo uses the packaged lotus leaf tea available from Chinese herb shops in the Sai Ying Pun area of Hong Kong — it comes in individual sealed sachets, which means it does not absorb the odours of other herbs commonly stored in bulk at herb shops. This is the most convenient form for everyday use. This tea is best enjoyed after a meal to support digestion and fat breakdown. Those with excess stomach acid should avoid it or use it in small amounts only.