Tonic Drinks & Waters
Imperata Sugarcane Carrot Water
Traditionally used to clear heat, ease dryness and support healthy elimination
Why people make this water
In the heat of summer, a body that’s already a little run-down and short of fluids can easily feel parched and out of sorts. Bro Niu reaches for sugarcane to top up the body’s fluids, then pairs it with imperata root, traditionally used to clear heat and drain water, and carrot, traditionally regarded as aiding digestion and easing phlegm and cough. Simmered together as a tea, it’s a comforting drink for hot days when you feel dry-mouthed and overheated.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those who feel the summer heat with a dry mouth and a hot, parched body.
- Gentle enough for young and old; enjoy as a refreshing daily drink in hot weather.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Imperata root (mao gen): Traditionally used to clear heat, cool the blood and drain water; fresh imperata is associated with soothing inflammation.
- Sugarcane (zhu zhe): Traditionally used to replenish fluids and encourage saliva.
- Carrot (hong luo bo): Traditionally regarded as aiding digestion and easing phlegm and cough.
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh imperata root (mao gen) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Washed, cut into segments |
| Sugarcane (zhu zhe) | 3 segments | Split open |
| Carrot (hong luo bo) | 1 | Peeled, cut into chunks |
Method
- Wash the imperata root and cut into segments. Split open the sugarcane. Peel the carrot and cut into chunks.
- Place everything into a pot with 6 bowls of water.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes until reduced to 3 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fresh imperata root is traditionally associated with soothing inflammation. This water is traditionally said to support healthy elimination, and is helpful for those with dry-bowel constipation or scanty, dark urine. Gentle enough for young and old.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Susanna): Bro Niu, hello! It’s been hot lately and I sweat a lot, feeling very tired and weak. What can I make day to day to ease this? Thank you. Bro Niu: In hot weather you can make a winter-melon, job’s-tears (yi mi), dried-mussel (dan cai) and lean pork soup to help build yourself back up. Dried mussels (also called “wong cai”) are high in nutrients.
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Q (amy poon): Bro Niu, I saw on YouTube that gou ji (cibotium / golden dog spine) comes in raw and prepared forms, and that it must be prepared before use as medicine, but the one I bought at the herb shop is raw, and I’ve simmered it many times. Is it harmful? Bro Niu: Raw gou ji is traditionally better for easing the joints, while prepared gou ji is better for tonifying the liver and kidney — both can be used. Herbs sold at proper herb shops have generally been processed and won’t be harmful, but gou ji is warming by nature, so those with a hot constitution shouldn’t use too much.
Published June 19, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
