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.

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.

Nourilo’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.