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Herbal & Flower Teas

Fresh Houttuynia, Tangerine Peel, and Apricot Kernel Decoction

traditionally used to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and support the respiratory tract

In short: Fresh Houttuynia, Tangerine Peel, and Apricot Kernel Decoction is a herbal & flower tea that traditionally used to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and support the respiratory tract. It is most often made for respiratory & lung wellness, cooling & summer heat, energy & vitality. Total time about 30 min. Key ingredients: tangerine peel, honey dates.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Makes
1.2 L
Respiratory & Lung WellnessCooling & Summer HeatEnergy & Vitality
Fresh Houttuynia, Tangerine Peel, and Apricot Kernel Decoction

Why people make this drink

Houttuynia (yu xing cao) — sometimes called fish mint or fish-wort — is a pungent wild herb long used in Chinese folk medicine as one of the primary natural tools for lung and respiratory support. The fresh herb is significantly more active than the dried version, and crucially, it must not be simmered for too long — its beneficial volatile oils dissipate with prolonged cooking. Fresh houttuynia is available at Chinese or Asian grocers and online. Paired with tangerine peel (which warms, helps move phlegm, and counterbalances the herb’s cooling nature) and apricot kernels (which support the lungs), this is a practical, accessible daily drink for anyone looking to support their respiratory health. Those without confirmed illness can also drink it as a precautionary measure.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Tangerine peel · Randomized controlled trial, 72 participants · 2025
    The tangerine peel drink group showed significant reductions in body weight and triglycerides after the intervention compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Safety markers showed no adverse effects. Gut microbiota and serum metabolite profiles also differed.Limitation: Small pilot trial with only 55 of 72 participants completing. The fermented product is not the same as plain tangerine peel, and the control group is not described.PubMed 40225325

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Ingredient notes for this recipe

  • Apricot kernels: Raw apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which turns into cyanide after eating. EFSA estimates that half of one small raw kernel can exceed the safe level for a toddler. Use no more than the recipe states, never eat them raw, and do not serve them to young children. Source: European Food Safety Authority

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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