Imperata Root, Bamboo-Cane Sugarcane, Carrot & Job's-Tears Water

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.