Tonic Drinks & Waters
Imperata Root, Bamboo-Cane Sugarcane, Carrot & Job's-Tears Water
traditionally used to clear internal heat and support healthy urination
Why people make this water
It surprises some people that quite a few Hong Kong farms grow bamboo-cane sugarcane (zhu zhe) as well as the purple kind. The green-skinned bamboo cane is firmer and cleanly sweet — less sugary than purple cane — and is traditionally valued for clearing heat, generating fluids and easing a dry cough; it’s a classic partner for imperata root, water chestnut and carrot in heat-clearing waters. Spring is the season when chickenpox and measles tend to circulate, so whether or not someone has been vaccinated, this imperata-sugarcane-carrot-Job’s-tears water is a gentle, cooling brew to clear heat and help the body shed dampness.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits old and young; a comfortable everyday drink for clearing internal heat.
- Choose your sugarcane carefully (see tips) — any discolored cane must be discarded.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Imperata root (mao gen): traditionally associated with clearing heat and promoting urination.
- Bamboo-cane sugarcane (zhu zhe): used to clear heat, generate fluids, and moisten the lung.
- Carrot (hong luo bo): adds natural sweetness and rounds out the brew.
- Job’s-tears (yi mi): traditionally used to drain dampness and support urination.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh imperata root (mao gen) | 1 bundle | rinsed, cut into sections |
| Bamboo-cane sugarcane (zhu zhe) | 4 segments | scrubbed clean, split open |
| Carrot | 1 | peeled, cut into chunks |
| Job’s-tears (yi mi) | ~37 g (1 tael) | soaked and rinsed |
Method
- Rinse the imperata root and cut into sections.
- Scrub the sugarcane clean and split it open.
- Peel and chunk the carrot; soak and rinse the Job’s-tears.
- Put everything in 7 bowls of water and boil for half an hour until reduced to 3–4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
When buying sugarcane, check the cut ends for reddening. If, when you split it open, the flesh looks red or cottony-fibrous, throw it out — that cane is harmful to eat. This water is suitable for old and young and helps clear internal heat.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Lian): Can I use dried bamboo cane? Here I can only buy the dried kind. Bro Niu: I haven’t seen dried bamboo cane sold locally — fresh is so easy to get here. But if dried is all you can find, it’s fine to use.
-
Q (R.v): Does the Job’s-tears need to be dry-fried first? Bro Niu: If your constitution runs cold, dry-frying the raw Job’s-tears reduces its cooling nature; for most people there’s no need to fry it specially.
Published March 8, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
