Herbal & Flower Teas
Lemongrass, Apple and Carrot Cooler; and Roselle and Apple Tea
Traditionally used to relieve summer heat and support the complexion
Why people make these teas
Bro Niu prefers home-brewed teas over shop drinks, which often carry preservatives, colourings, other additives and far too much sugar. These two natural summer coolers use mostly fresh fruit and vegetables, no chemical additives, and only a sensible amount of sugar. Lemongrass is fragrant and warming, traditionally used to relieve summer heat, dispel wind and ease stagnation, and is associated with easing colds, fullness, headache and stomach upset; with apple and carrot it helps refresh you and support digestion. Roselle is cooling and sweet-tart, traditionally taken to support the complexion, healthy blood lipids and the liver; with apple its chill is softened and its beauty-supporting quality enhanced.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone wanting a natural, additive-free cooling drink in hot weather.
- Lemongrass-apple-carrot suits those wanting to refresh and ease digestion.
- Roselle-apple is NOT suitable for pregnant women, as roselle may mildly stimulate the uterus.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Lemongrass (ning meng cao / xiang mao): warming and fragrant; traditionally used to relieve summer heat, dispel wind and ease stagnation, and to soothe headache and stomach discomfort.
- Roselle / hibiscus (luo shen hua): cooling and sweet-tart; traditionally associated with supporting the complexion, healthy blood lipids and liver health.
- Apple (ping guo): softens the chill of roselle and adds natural sweetness; supports digestion.
- Carrot (gan sun): adds natural sweetness and fits a refreshing daily tonic.
Ingredients (1 pot each)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lemongrass (Tea 1) | A few stalks | Fresh preferred; slice |
| Apple (Tea 1) | 1 | Sliced |
| Carrot (Tea 1) | 1 | Sliced |
| Dried roselle (Tea 2) | A small handful | |
| Apple (Tea 2) | 1 | Sliced |
Method
- Lemongrass-apple-carrot cooler: slice the lemongrass, apple and carrot. Add water and simmer about 20 minutes; strain and serve (warm or chilled). Honey may be added to taste.
- Roselle-apple tea: rinse the roselle, slice the apple, add water and simmer about 20 minutes; strain and serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Both teas need only about 20 minutes of simmering. Lemongrass (xiang mao) is best used fresh for a better flavour. You can also simply slice fresh lemongrass and steep it as a tea, with a little honey to taste, to help dispel wind and ease stomach gas.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (enya): How long should I cook the lemongrass-apple-carrot cooler and the roselle-apple tea? Bro Niu: Both teas only need about 20 minutes. Lemongrass (xiang mao) tastes better fresh.
-
Q (Gigi): I want a dampness-clearing summer soup, but both Job’s tears and roselle are cooling, and I don’t tolerate cold foods well. What can I add to balance them? Bro Niu: Roselle tea is a fine summer cooler — taken in moderation it’s fine even for a cooler constitution. You could also steep roasted wheat (2 tbsp) with a few black dates (nan zao) as a tea; it strengthens the spleen, drains water and checks sweating, and suits summer too.
Published June 24, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
