Mung Bean, Poria and Pearl Barley Herbal Drink

Why people make this drink

In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver’s “window” for detoxification and blood cleansing is believed to occur between 11 pm and 2 am. Habitual late nights — staying up past midnight — are thought to disrupt this process, gradually burdening the liver over time. The signs that often appear: bad breath, persistent acne, irregular periods, nasal sensitivity, dark under-eye circles, low energy and dull complexion. This drink is designed as a gentle, everyday remedy for those patterns. Mung bean is one of the most respected “liver-cleansing” ingredients in Cantonese food culture, particularly valued for helping the body eliminate metallic toxins. Paired with poria (which resolves dampness and calms the mind), yi mi barley (which reduces water retention and has traditional anti-inflammatory associations) and a small amount of raw licorice root (a classic detoxification herb), this becomes a four-ingredient brew that punches well above its simplicity.