Herbal & Flower Teas
Perilla Leaf, Lemon and Honey Tea
Traditionally taken to ease stress, calm anxiety and dispel cold
Why people make this tea
Perilla leaf is a workhorse in Chinese kitchens — traditionally used to disperse cold, regulate the qi, and counter the “toxins” of fish and crab, which is why it turns up with seafood. Brewed as a tea it is gentle enough that it is traditionally considered suitable during pregnancy, where it is associated with a settling, calming effect on mood. Paired with fresh lemon and honey, it becomes a fragrant, soothing cup for stress and tension.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people feeling stressed, anxious or tense, and those with the early signs of a wind-cold chill — blocked nose, headache, cough.
- Gentle and fine for all ages. Do not give honey to children under one year old. If a cold or low mood is severe or ongoing, please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Perilla leaf (zi su ye): traditionally used to disperse cold, regulate qi, and ease tension; associated with a calming effect on mood.
- Fresh lemon (xian ning meng): classically associated with promoting fluids, supporting the stomach and easing cough.
- Honey (feng mi): soothes and rounds out the flavour.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perilla leaf | ~8 g (dried) | Use ~19 g if fresh |
| Fresh lemon | 3 slices | |
| Honey | to taste | Add after steeping |
Method
- Put the perilla leaf in a teapot and rinse once with boiling water.
- Add the fresh lemon slices, then pour in boiling water.
- Cover and steep for 5 minutes, then stir in honey to taste.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is fragrant and fine for all ages. It also helps with the early stages of a wind-cold chill — blocked nose, headache, cough — and you can keep re-steeping it until it runs light.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (May): I’m an anxious person — is there any food therapy to help me relax? Bro Niu: Try simmering ~38 g wheat berries, ~19 g fu shen, ~11 g dan shen, ~19 g lily bulb and 10 longan in 5 bowls of water down to 2 bowls; two batches a week helps ease the mood.
- Q (Mrs Mak): If I use dried perilla leaf instead of fresh, is the amount the same? Bro Niu: For dried, use the 2-qian amount given; if using fresh, use about 5 qian.
Published January 27, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
