Herbal & Flower Teas
Fresh Imperata Root (Mao Gen) and Honeysuckle Tea
Traditionally used to cool the blood and clear heat
Why people make this tea
When the weather turns warm and humid, skin easily gets itchy and breaks out. Bro Niu likes to keep a clearing, heat-cooling tea on hand for those days. Fresh imperata root with honeysuckle is light, fragrant and gentle enough for the whole family.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Good for people with itchy, rash-prone skin in muggy weather, and helpful for a slightly sore, scratchy throat.
- For children, add a little rock sugar to soften the taste. As with any cooling tea, those with a cold constitution should not overdo it.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh imperata root (mao gen): traditionally used to cool the blood and clear heat; associated with easing thirst from stomach heat.
- Honeysuckle (jin yin hua): associated with clearing heat and dispersing wind-heat; traditionally used for skin rashes and itchiness.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh imperata root | 1 bundle | Washed, cut into short pieces |
| Honeysuckle flower | ~19 g (5 qian) | Rinsed |
Method
- Wash the imperata root and cut into short pieces; rinse the honeysuckle.
- Boil the imperata root in 6 bowls of water for 20 minutes.
- Add the honeysuckle and boil a further 5 minutes, reducing to 3–4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is light and fragrant and also helps a sore, uncomfortable throat. For children, add a little rock sugar to taste.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (JK): I’m a bit heaty with an itchy throat but no phlegm — what can I cook? Bro Niu: Try 15 green olives, 1 green radish, 1 liang of north-and-south apricot kernels and 3 figs simmered with lean pork — the whole family can drink it. No green olives? Add 2 qian of snow fungus instead.
- Q (JK): I saw a kudzu-and-water-chestnut soup recommended for heat — can I drink that too? Bro Niu: Yes, kudzu and water chestnut also clear heat, so it’s fine to drink.
Published February 15, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
