Lemon Mint Tea (Ning Meng Bo He Cha)

Why people make this tea

Urban life takes a quiet toll — the fatigue of too many screen hours, disrupted sleep, and the constant background stress of city living. In hot weather especially, the body sweats out more vitamin C than usual, and the immune system can quietly lose ground. This simple tea answers all of that with just two fresh ingredients: lemon, packed with vitamin C that the body can use directly, and fresh mint, whose aromatic compounds genuinely refresh the senses and help sharpen focus. The combination is also traditionally associated with supporting digestion and easing mild wind-heat patterns — the early signs of a summer cold or heat-related headache. It takes three minutes to make and feels immediately reviving.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Anyone experiencing mental fatigue, low energy, or wanting a bright, refreshing alternative to coffee or sweetened drinks.
• Useful when digestion feels sluggish, when a mild summer cold is starting, or when eyes feel warm and head feels slightly heavy from heat.
• Breastfeeding mothers should consume mint in moderation as large amounts may mildly reduce milk supply.
• Pregnant women are advised to check with their doctor before consuming mint regularly in larger quantities.
• During menstruation, flower and herb teas are best reduced; occasional cups are generally fine but daily consumption is less advised.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Fresh lemon (ning meng): Rich in vitamin C, which is used up more quickly during stress and hot weather. The sour flavor in traditional thinking “enters the liver” and helps consolidate energy. Brightening and refreshing.
• Fresh mint (bo he): Aromatic and lightly cooling. Traditionally used to disperse wind-heat, clear the head and eyes, relieve sore throat, and ease feelings of irritability from summer heat. Dried mint can substitute in a pinch, but fresh is significantly more fragrant and effective.

Ingredients (1–2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh lemon	2–3 slices
Fresh mint leaves	1 small handful (~5–8 leaves)	Washed and gently dried
Sugar or honey	to taste	Add after steeping

Method

1. Wash the fresh mint leaves and gently pat dry.
2. Place the mint leaves and lemon slices together in a teapot or mug.
3. Pour in freshly boiled water.
4. Cover and steep for about 3 minutes, until the tea takes on a pale golden-green tint and smells fragrant.
5. Stir in a small amount of white sugar or honey to taste, and serve immediately.

Bro Niu’s tips

Fresh mint is available at most large supermarkets and Southeast Asian grocery stores — look for perky, bright green leaves. Dried mint can be used in its place (it keeps conveniently in the pantry), but the fresh version gives a noticeably more vibrant flavor and aroma. This tea also supports mild digestive discomfort, early-stage wind-heat colds, frontal headaches, and eye redness from heat. A good everyday drink for summer — refreshing without being harsh.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (june): Can a 2.5-year-old child drink lemon mint tea daily? My daughter just started school and keeps getting a runny nose — she takes Western medicine for two days, the runny nose stops, but returns about a week later. Bro Niu: A 2.5-year-old can drink lemon mint water. For the recurring runny nose, try steeping 5 xin yi hua (magnolia flower buds), gently crushed, in boiling water — a small amount of honey may be added. Drink for 3 consecutive days.

• Q (Lilian): I think I have some wind-heat and a sore throat. After drinking this tea my cold symptoms have reduced a little, but my throat is still quite painful. What should I drink? Bro Niu: For the sore throat, try simmering luo han guo (one-third of a monk fruit), 3 pang da hai (sterculia seeds), 3 qian of jin yin hua (honeysuckle flower), and 1 qian of gan cao (licorice root) in 4 bowls of water, reducing to 2 bowls. Drink for 3 consecutive days.

• Q (waifong): Can dried mint leaves be used? Are they equally effective? Bro Niu: Dried mint can be used as a substitute. It is convenient to keep on hand, but fresh mint has a noticeably better flavor and effect.

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Published May 7, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.