Herbal & Flower Teas
Oldenlandia and Lobelia Herbal Tea (Bai Hua She She Cao and Ban Bian Lian)
traditionally used to clear heat, support the urinary tract, and relieve sore throat associated with internal heat
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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People experiencing sore throat, mild urinary discomfort, or general heat-related restlessness
- Suitable for occasional use; not for long-term daily drinking, as excess cooling herbs may over time reduce digestive strength
- People with a cold or deficient constitution, poor digestion, or chronic tiredness should avoid or minimise
- Pregnant women should not use this tea
- Children under 12: consult a practitioner before use
- For urinary tract infection with fever, severe pain, or blood in the urine, please see a doctor
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Oldenlandia (bai hua she she cao): A sweet, cooling herb traditionally used to clear heat, eliminate toxins, and support the urinary tract. Laboratory studies have investigated its antimicrobial activity against several strains including Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, though clinical evidence in humans remains limited. Traditionally also used topically for insect bites and mastitis.
- Lobelia chinensis (ban bian lian): Named for its half-petal lavender flowers resembling half a lotus bloom. Like oldenlandia, it is considered cooling, diuretic, and detoxifying in the traditional framework. Both plants are found growing wild in damp fields.
- Honey dates (mi zao): Large, sweet dried jujubes candied in honey. They balance the cooling nature of the herbs, add pleasant sweetness, and protect the stomach.
Ingredients (4 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oldenlandia (bai hua she she cao) | ~80 g | Remove debris, cut into sections, rinse |
| Lobelia chinensis (ban bian lian) | ~80 g | Remove debris, cut into sections, rinse |
| Honey dates (mi zao) | 3 pieces | Rinse |
| Water | 6–7 bowls (about 1.2–1.4 L) |
Method
- Pick through both herbs to remove any yellowed leaves or debris. Cut into manageable sections and rinse under running water.
- Rinse honey dates.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 6–7 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until reduced to about 4 cups.
- Strain and serve warm or at room temperature. Divide between two people or drink over the course of a day.
Bro Niu’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.
Published October 1, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
