Tonic Drinks & Waters
Reed Root, Coix Seed, Lophatherum and Pear Drink
Traditionally used to clear lingering fever-heat, ease irritability, and promote fluid balance
Why people make this drink
After a fever breaks — or in the lingering days after a respiratory illness — many people find themselves in an uncomfortable in-between state: the worst seems to be over, but the body still feels hot, the mouth is dry and sometimes sore, the urine runs dark and short, and there is a nagging sense of irritability and restlessness. This is what Chinese food therapy describes as residual heat not yet cleared. This refreshing herbal drink is designed precisely for that moment. Reed rhizome cools and moistens; lophatherum gently clears heat from the heart and small intestine (reflected in dark urine and mouth sores); coix seed supports fluid balance; and pear adds moisture and sweetness. The result is a clear, pleasantly sweet drink that soothes without being too cold or harsh.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults and children experiencing residual heat after illness: mild persistent low fever, dry mouth, mouth sores, inflamed gums, dark or scanty urination, or feeling easily agitated
- Also helpful for children recovering from measles or other viral rashes where heat lingers
- Suitable for the elderly and for young children
- Pregnant women should avoid this drink
- Those with kidney deficiency and frequent urination should not use it, as some of the ingredients promote urination
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Reed rhizome (lu gen): Cools the lungs and stomach, promotes fluid production, and clears heat without being harshly purging; a gentle, food-safe herb
- Coix seed (yi mi, Coix lacryma-jobi): Both raw (sheng) and cooked (shu) coix is used here; raw coix is more cooling and supports fluid drainage, while cooked (fried) coix is gentler on the digestive system. Together they balance each other
- Lophatherum / bamboo leaf herb (dan zhu ye): A cooling herb that specifically addresses heart-heat — the type that shows up as mouth sores, dark urine, and irritability
- Asian pear (xue li): Moistens the lungs and stomach, clears heat, and provides natural sweetness; can be substituted with dried snow pear if fresh is unavailable
Ingredients (2 bowls / 1–2 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reed rhizome (lu gen) | ~18 g (5 qian) | Fresh or dried; rinse |
| Raw and cooked coix seeds combined (sheng shu yi mi) | ~37 g (1 liang) | Equal parts raw and stir-fried/cooked coix; rinse |
| Lophatherum herb (dan zhu ye) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Rinse |
| Asian / snow pear (xue li) | 1 medium | Wash, core, and cut into pieces; do not peel |
| Rock sugar | A small amount | To taste; can omit |
Method
- Wash and core the pear and cut into chunks.
- Rinse all remaining ingredients.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 5 bowls (about 1.25 litres) of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until reduced to about 2 bowls.
- Stir in rock sugar until dissolved.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Bro Niu’s tips
This drink is refreshing and clear, with a natural pear sweetness. It is a useful everyday remedy for low-grade persistent heat, mouth sores, and general irritability from residual illness heat. Suitable for young and old. If fresh pear is not available, dried snow pear (xue li gan) also works — just remove any stones before using. Remember: pregnant women and those with kidney deficiency or frequent urination should not drink this.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (cherry): I am in the UK and it is hard to find these ingredients. Can dried snow pear substitute for fresh? My two children (4 and 2 years old) have yellow nasal discharge and cough. My older one also has red and dry lips. What suits them both now? Bro Niu: Dried snow pear works as a substitute — just remove the stone before using. For both children, you can simmer tai zi shen (prince ginseng), sha shen (adenophora), and yu zhu (Solomon’s seal) with apple, dried snow pear, figs, and lean pork. It helps moisten and nourish, eases dry skin and poor appetite. Try to find these at a Chinese herbal shop. Also look for “four marvels powder” (si shen fen, 四神粉) — its main ingredients are huai shan, lotus seed, poria, and euryale, all of which are wonderful for a child’s digestion and absorption.
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Q (Yen): Can this drink be given to an 11-month-old baby? Bro Niu: Yes, it is suitable for infants.
Published March 29, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
