Lotus Heart, Ophiopogon & Lophatherum Tea

Why people make this tea

Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth is not just a social inconvenience — in traditional Chinese medicine, it is regarded as a signal worth paying attention to. Different flavours (bitter, sour, sweet, metallic) point to different patterns of imbalance. The most common type — a bitter, dry mouth, particularly in the morning or after a night of poor sleep — is associated with excess heat in the heart and stomach channels. People who habitually stay up late, eat spicy or fried food frequently, or feel chronically stressed are particularly prone to this. This tea addresses that pattern by combining three cooling, moistening, and heat-clearing ingredients. The key ingredient — the lotus heart (lian xin), the tiny bitter green embryo inside the lotus seed — is specifically valued for its ability to clear heart fire and calm an agitated mind.

Method

1. Rinse fresh lotus seeds. If using dried, soak briefly in cold water.
2. Soak and rinse the ophiopogon root. Rinse the lophatherum herb.
3. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 1.5 L of water. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until liquid reduces to about 600 ml.
5. Drink as a tea throughout the day.

Nourilo’s Tips

Fresh lotus seeds are sometimes available during summer; if you cannot find them, look for dried lotus seeds WITH their heart intact at a Chinese herb shop — regular dried lotus seeds (which have the heart removed) will not give the same effect for mouth bitterness and heat-clearing. Dried lotus seeds with heart: use 38 g (38 g). This tea is also excellent for people who feel irritable, short-tempered, and easily frustrated — the lotus heart has a traditional reputation for calming agitated emotions as well as clearing physical heat.