Mint, Dandelion & Ophiopogon Tea

Why people make this tea

When mandatory mask-wearing became a daily reality, Nourilo noticed something uncomfortable: after several hours of teaching back-to-back classes with a mask on, he could smell his own breath for the first time — a revelation that led him to think more carefully about this often-overlooked issue. Bad breath has several common causes: insufficient dental hygiene, gum disease, tooth decay — but also dry mouth from inadequate water intake, or digestive imbalances including gut dysbiosis. Research has linked Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and chronic constipation with a higher tendency toward oral malodour. This three-ingredient tea targets those gut-related causes alongside the oral ones.

For everyday mask-related freshness, Nourilo often brews fresh mint leaves with two slices of lemon and a drizzle of honey — a lighter version of this recipe. For more persistent breath issues with digestive symptoms, this fuller formula with dandelion and ophiopogon is more appropriate.

Method

1. Place dandelion and ophiopogon root into a teapot or small saucepan.
2. Pour boiling water over them, rinse briefly, and discard.
3. Add fresh boiling water and steep for 15–20 minutes. (If using whole dried dandelion root, simmer for 15 minutes on a low flame, then add the mint in the last 3 minutes.)
4. Add the mint leaves last if steeping — allow them to steep in the hot liquid for 3–5 minutes, then pour and drink.
5. Drink warm or at room temperature.

Nourilo’s Tips

Do not use too many mint leaves at once — a small amount gives a pleasant freshness, but overdo it and the flavour becomes sharp and overpowering. Fresh mint leaves are wonderful when available. Dried mint leaves and dandelion are usually available from Chinese herb shops; dandelion may sometimes be sold as a whole plant rather than pre-cut, in which case simmer it for 15 minutes before adding mint. For an everyday lighter version: steep a few fresh mint leaves with two lemon slices and a little honey — this alone is quite effective and very refreshing.