Herbal & Flower Teas
Luo Han Guo, Lotus Plumule and Mint Leaf Tea
traditionally used to support cooling of internal heat and comfort oral tissues
Why people make this tea
Hot weather and a diet heavy in fried or rich foods can leave us feeling uncomfortably “heated” — and in Chinese medicine tradition, that internal heat is associated with the flare-up of mouth sores. The tiny green plumule nestled inside each fresh lotus seed — the part most people discard — is actually a prized ingredient for clearing what practitioners call “heart fire.” Paired with the natural sweetness of monk fruit, the gentle cooling of chrysanthemum, and the refreshing lift of mint, this quick tea has a pleasant flavour and a soothing quality that many people find welcome on hot or stressful days.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people who get mouth ulcers in summer heat, or who feel restless, irritable, or flushed from excess heat; also traditionally considered helpful for those prone to acne related to internal heat.
- People with a cold or weak digestive constitution (easily chilled stomach, loose stools) should not drink this in large amounts or regularly, as the ingredients are cooling in nature.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Luo han guo (monk fruit): Naturally sweet without sugar; traditionally valued for gently clearing heat, soothing the throat, and supporting the lungs and digestive system.
- Lotus plumule (lian zi xin): The bitter green embryo at the centre of fresh lotus seeds. Classical texts describe it as clearing fire from multiple organs — heart, liver, spleen, and lungs — and easing restlessness. Fresh lotus plumules, when in season, are especially potent.
- Mint leaves (bo he ye): Aromatic and cooling; traditionally associated with dispersing wind-heat, refreshing the head, and easing throat irritation.
- Chrysanthemum (ju hua): A gentle heat-clearing flower widely used in Cantonese wellness teas; also traditionally associated with supporting eye comfort and calming the liver.
Ingredients (about 2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luo han guo (monk fruit) | 1/4 fruit | Break into pieces |
| Lotus plumules (lian zi xin) | ~15 g fresh / ~7 g dried | The green embryo of the lotus seed |
| Mint leaves (bo he ye) | ~4 g | Fresh or dried |
| Chrysanthemum flowers (ju hua) | ~11 g | Any good-quality dried variety |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients briefly under cool water.
- Place monk fruit pieces, lotus plumules, mint, and chrysanthemum in a small pot with 2.5 cups (625 ml) of water.
- Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 7 minutes.
- Pour into cups and drink warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is not only for mouth ulcers — those who regularly stay up late, feel mentally restless, or are prone to acne may also find it helpful as an occasional drink. That said, people with a cold or delicate digestion should avoid having it frequently.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (kay): Bro Niu, the tip of my tongue is a bit red and swollen — is that heat? Bro Niu: A red tongue tip often points to what we call “heart fire.” You can try simmering 40 g of whole lotus seeds (with the plumule), 40 g of lily bulb, 20 g of ophiopogon root (mai dong), and 4 g of liquorice in 5 bowls of water until reduced to 2 bowls. Alternatively, make a soup with half a pound of soybean sprouts, two blocks of tofu, and a little snow ear fungus with some lean pork, simmered for at least an hour — drink the broth and eat some of the ingredients. Both approaches traditionally support clearing heart fire.
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Q (林小姐): Will this tea interact with Western medicine? Bro Niu: As long as you wait at least two hours after taking Western medicine before drinking the tea, there should be no conflict.
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Q (林小姐): I have both eye, ear and lip swelling and two ulcers under my tongue — what can I try? Bro Niu: You could try simmering 12 g xuan shen (figwort root), half a monk fruit, 12 g ban lan gen (isatis root), and 4 g liquorice in 4 bowls of water reduced to 2 bowls, taken for 2 days in a row. If you don’t see improvement, please see a Chinese medicine practitioner. Rest well and drink plenty of water.
Published July 25, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
