Prunella, Luo Han Guo and Zhejiang Fritillary Tea

Why people make this tea

In traditional Chinese households, when a child developed swollen or tender lymph nodes along the neck, grandmothers would often brew a pot of prunella and monk fruit water as a first-response kitchen remedy. Prunella (xia ku cao) has long been valued in Chinese herbal tradition for its ability to clear what practitioners call “liver fire” and to help disperse phlegm nodules. Adding Zhejiang fritillary (zhe bei mu) strengthens the heat-clearing and lump-softening quality of the brew. Monk fruit brings a gentle sweetness that balances the bitterness, and it contributes its own traditional cooling nature. This is the kind of quiet, practical recipe that has been passed quietly between generations.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suited to adults and children with swollen lymph nodes, neck lumps, or firmness under the skin that a doctor has assessed as benign — used as a supportive, adjunctive drink alongside conventional care.
• Also traditionally used for lumps in the armpit or groin area associated with lymph node involvement, or for breast nodules.
• Those with a cold constitution or who are easily chilled should use cautiously — this tea leans cooling. Adding a piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) can help offset the cold nature.
• Zhejiang fritillary is bitter and cool; it is not the same as Sichuan fritillary (chuan bei mu) and the two should not be casually swapped. If unsure, ask your herbalist.
• Pregnant women should consult a practitioner before using.
• Stop once swelling has resolved; this is not intended for indefinite daily drinking.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Prunella spike (xia ku cao): In Chinese herbal tradition, prunella is associated with clearing heat from the liver channel and dissolving phlegm accumulation — qualities linked to its use for swollen, hard nodules and scrofula.
• Luo han guo (monk fruit): Traditionally regarded as cooling and moistening, monk fruit is associated with supporting the throat and lungs. It provides natural sweetness without refined sugar.
• Zhejiang fritillary (zhe bei mu): Distinguished from Sichuan fritillary by its stronger heat-clearing and lump-dispersing quality. In Chinese tradition, zhe bei mu is preferred for conditions involving hard, hot nodules over the milder, more moistening chuan bei mu.

Ingredients (2 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Prunella spike (xia ku cao)	37 g (1 liang)	Dried; available from Chinese herb shops
Luo han guo (monk fruit)	Half a fruit	Break into pieces to release flavour
Zhejiang fritillary bulb (zhe bei mu)	~18 g (5 qian)	Dried; ask specifically for zhe bei mu, not chuan bei mu

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients briefly under cold water.
2. Place prunella, luo han guo pieces and fritillary bulb in a non-metallic pot — ceramic, clay or glass is best.
3. Add 6 bowls (approximately 1.4 litres) of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the liquid reduces to roughly 2 bowls.
5. Strain and drink warm or at room temperature. Divide into 2 portions to drink over the day.

Bro Niu’s tips

If you tend to feel cold easily or have a sensitive stomach, add one piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) when simmering — its warm nature provides a gentle counterbalance. For lymph node swelling, Bro Niu suggests a course of 8 to 10 portions before expecting visible results, so patience matters here. Once the swelling has reduced, stop the tea and allow your body to settle. Do not cook this in a metal pot — use a clay, ceramic or glass vessel to avoid any reaction with the natural plant acids.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Rainbow): I tend to feel cold easily. Can I add something to make this tea less cooling so I do not end up with a scratchy throat afterwards? Bro Niu: You can add a piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) when you cook it — chen pi has a warm nature and will help balance the cooling herbs.

• Q (May): My child is ten years old. Is this tea too cooling for a child? How many times a week can a child drink it? Bro Niu: Xia ku cao tea is on the cooling side, so it is best used only when there is an actual lymph node swelling that needs addressing. For a child, about three times a week is reasonable — once the lump has gone down, stop.

• Q (Anny): Can this tea be used for breast nodules? Bro Niu: Yes, this tea is aimed at dispersing swelling and nodules, so those with breast nodules can also try it.

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Published April 13, 2014 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.