Whole Lotus Seed and Juncus Herb Tea

Why people make this tea

When a baby or young child wakes repeatedly through the night, crying without obvious cause — no wet diaper, no hunger, no fever — traditional Cantonese food therapy points toward internal heat in the Heart meridian. One helpful sign to check: is the child’s urine noticeably yellow and scanty? If so, Nourilo suggests this gentle tea as a time-honored way to help settle and soothe. The lotus seed’s green inner embryo (the part many people remove because it tastes bitter) is actually the key ingredient here — it is traditionally valued for clearing heat and calming the spirit. Juncus herb, a thin rush-plant sold in small tied bundles at Chinese herb shops, pairs beautifully with it to support the same purpose.

Method

1. Rinse the lotus seeds and juncus herb bundles under running water to remove any dust.
2. Gently crack or lightly score the lotus seeds with a knife or flat side of a cleaver so the inner embryo can release its compounds into the water.
3. Combine lotus seeds and juncus herb in a small pot with 1.2 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes, until 600 ml remain.
5. Strain and allow to cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Nourilo’s Tips

• If you cannot find lotus seeds with the embryo intact, use ordinary halved lotus seeds and add 11 g (about 11 g) of ophiopogon root (mai dong) to compensate.
• Fresh lotus seeds are available at Chinese or Asian grocers in season; simply slice them open to expose the embryo — fresh seeds need only the same amount by weight.
• The lotus seed’s skin (the reddish-brown coating) is traditionally said to help settle “floating fire” in the Heart and Stomach. Seeds with a darker red skin are preferred.
• A small piece of golden monk fruit (luo han guo) — about one-eighth — can be added to naturally sweeten the tea for children who resist the mild bitter note.
• This tea also helps ease agitation from a high fever. For a child who continues to sleep poorly over several weeks, please consult a doctor to rule out other causes.
• Aim for 3 consecutive days (doses) to see whether sleep improves; children may need 4 to 5 doses to fully clear any heat.