Herbal & Flower Teas
Perilla Leaf, Ginger and Brown Sugar Tea
Traditionally used to warm the lungs and ease a cold-type clear runny nose
Why people make this tea
Hong Kong summers are hot, but the air-conditioning on transit, in malls and offices runs very cold — so many people end up with a stuffy or runny nose and cough. In traditional thinking “the nose is the window of the lungs,” and when lung-qi can’t spread, you get sneezing and a clear runny nose — signs of lung-cold. This simple tea is traditionally used to warm the lungs and ease that clear, watery runny nose.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with a cold-type clear runny nose, sneezing, or a cold cough, especially from too much air-conditioning.
- Traditionally considered suitable even for those with a cold cough and during pregnancy. Best drunk warm. Note: this suits cold-type symptoms; it is not for a hot-type sore throat.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Perilla leaf (zi su ye): Aromatic and warming, traditionally used to release wind-cold and warm the lungs.
- Fresh ginger (sheng jiang): Warming, traditionally used to dispel cold and warm the stomach.
- Brown / black sugar (hong tang): Warming and sweet, traditionally used to nourish and soften the brew.
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perilla leaf | ~3 qian dried | Double the amount if using fresh |
| Fresh ginger | 5–6 slices | |
| Brown or black sugar | to taste | Added at the end |
Method
- Rinse the perilla leaf; slice the ginger.
- Cook with 3 bowls of water for 5 minutes.
- Add the brown or black sugar and stir until dissolved. Drink warm. Take 3–4 batches.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is quite aromatic and is traditionally said to warm the lungs and stomach, suitable also for those with a cold cough and during pregnancy. You can also make it in a vacuum flask: rinse the leaves once with boiling water, then steep in fresh boiling water for about 7 minutes. Fresh perilla is fragrant but not always available, so dried is commonly used (double the amount if fresh).
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (May): Can I steep this in a vacuum cup at the office instead of simmering? Bro Niu: Yes — first rinse once with boiling water, then pour in fresh boiling water and steep about 7 minutes before drinking.
- Q (Meimei): Is dried or fresh perilla better? Bro Niu: Fresh perilla is fragrant, but it’s not always sold, so dried is generally used. Double the amount if using fresh.
Published July 23, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
