Houttuynia & Job's Tears Water (Fish-Mint Tea)

Why people make this tea

Fresh houttuynia — the de-leaved root-stems — is available at Chinese or Asian grocers. It smells strongly fishy raw (hence the Chinese name “fish-smell herb”), but once simmered the smell vanishes and turns fragrant and clean. In Chinese food tradition houttuynia is valued for clearing heat and dampness, and it is a classic choice when eczema flares up hot — red, swollen, weepy, itchy skin. Paired with raw Job’s tears and a little rock sugar, it makes a light water you sip in place of tea for a few days.

Method

1. Rinse the fresh houttuynia.
2. Simmer the raw Job’s tears in 1.5 L of water for 1 hour.
3. Add the houttuynia and cook just 10 minutes more (it does not take long boiling, or the benefit fades).
4. Stir in rock sugar until dissolved, then drink as a tea.

Nourilo’s Tips

The herb shown is the root-stem; Chinese herb shops also sell it with stems and leaves attached — the whole plant is usable, and the leafy kind is good too. This water also suits people with urinary-tract irritation. For eczema, add 38 g each of mung beans and adzuki beans to strengthen the effect. Dried houttuynia needs only about 20 minutes’ cooking. Cold-constitution people should go easy.