Litsea Leaf, Loquat Leaf, Dried Mandarin Orange and Pear Drink

Why people make this drink

City life comes with its pressures, and for many people — business dinners, late nights, a cigarette or two — the first thing to suffer is the throat and lungs. Liver heat (a concept in Chinese medicine that overlaps with what Western medicine might describe as stress-related inflammation or elevated liver enzymes) can manifest as a sore or inflamed throat, swollen gums, and a general sense of overheating. This pleasant, pear-based drink is Nourilo’s go-to remedy for those who need to be social but want to protect their lungs and liver at the same time. Litsea leaf and loquat leaf both target the lungs and stomach to clear heat and dissolve phlegm; dried mandarin orange strengthens the spleen and settles cough; pear — the great lung-cooler — also helps clear alcohol toxins. Think of it as a practical, delicious reset drink for the morning after.

Method

1. Rinse the litsea leaves and loquat leaves thoroughly.
2. Rinse the apricot kernels briefly.
3. Rinse the dried mandarin orange pieces and chop them into small pieces.
4. Wash the Asian pears (keep the skin on), remove the cores, and cut into chunks.
5. Combine all ingredients with 2.1 L of water in a pot.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer and cook for 30 minutes until the liquid reduces to about 1.2 L.
7. Drink while warm; suitable for the whole family.

Nourilo’s Tips

This is a light, refreshing, and moistening drink that is suitable for all ages. Beyond smoking and drinking recovery, it is also particularly helpful for people with thyroid nodules or goitre — they may take it on a regular basis. The combination of litsea and loquat leaves gives it a pleasant, slightly herbal flavour that is easy to enjoy.