Oldenlandia and Lobelia Herbal Tea (Bai Hua She She Cao and Ban Bian Lian)

Why people make this tea

Both of these wild herbs grow abundantly in fields and hillsides across southern China and are available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online. Oldenlandia (bai hua she she cao, literally “white-flower snake-tongue herb”) and lobelia (ban bian lian, “half-side lotus”) share a similar mild, sweet flavour with no bitterness — unusual for herbs considered this cooling. Together they have a long folk history for relieving the heat-related discomforts that Cantonese tradition lumps under the term “sheung foh” (shanghuo): sore throats, urinary burning, sluggish digestion from heat, and general internal restlessness. The honey dates are added to smooth the flavour and make the tea pleasant to drink.

Method

1. Pick through both herbs to remove any yellowed leaves or debris. Cut into manageable sections and rinse under running water.
2. Rinse honey dates.
3. Place all ingredients in a pot with 1.8–2.1 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until reduced to about 4 cups.
5. Strain and serve warm or at room temperature. Divide between two people or drink over the course of a day.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea tastes mild and pleasantly sweet — no bitterness — which makes it easy to drink. However, because both herbs are cool in nature, do not consume large quantities at one sitting, and do not use day after day for extended periods. Overcooling the body reduces immune function over time. People with a cold, deficient constitution and pregnant women should avoid this tea entirely.