Tonic Drinks & Waters
Sugarcane, Carrot, Coriander and Coix Water
A cooling drink traditionally given to children with chickenpox to clear heat and ease the rash
Why people make this water
When chickenpox is going around — sometimes in the worst waves in years — many children come down with it, and parents look for something gentle and cooling to help. Bro Niu suggests simmering this sugarcane, carrot, coriander and coix water for the kids: traditionally it’s seen as clearing heat, cooling the blood and easing toxins. If a child already shows signs of chickenpox, keep them home from school to avoid spreading it.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- The whole family can drink it; for a child with chickenpox, the source suggests up to 3 cups a day for 3 days to help them through the rash more comfortably.
- Pregnant women should leave out the coix (yi mi) — it is traditionally avoided in pregnancy. Make sure the sugarcane is fresh: if it shows red or cottony-white inside, it has gone moldy and must not be used. Chickenpox still needs proper medical care; please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Sugarcane (zhu zhe): Sweet and cooling, traditionally used to clear heat and generate fluids.
- Water chestnut (ma ti): Traditionally used to clear heat and resolve phlegm; naturally sweet.
- Carrot (gan sun): Adds sweetness and body to the drink.
- Coriander (yan sui): Traditionally said to help bring out (透发) the rash so it passes more comfortably.
- Raw coix (sheng yi mi): Traditionally used to clear heat and dampness; omit in pregnancy.
Ingredients (5–6 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sugarcane | 1 bundle | Washed; discard if red/moldy inside |
| Water chestnuts | 10 | Peeled, sliced |
| Carrot | 2 | Peeled, sliced |
| Coriander | 4 plants | With roots, washed |
| Raw coix (sheng yi mi) | ~75 g | Soak and rinse; omit in pregnancy |
Method
- Wash the sugarcane. Peel and slice the water chestnuts and carrots. Wash the coriander with its roots. Soak and rinse the raw coix.
- Put everything in a pot with 10 bowls of water.
- Simmer 2 hours down to 5–6 bowls, then serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
The whole family can drink this; it’s traditionally said to clear built-up heat from the organs. A child with chickenpox can have 3 cups a day for 3 days, which is traditionally thought to help the rash come out and pass more comfortably with less discomfort. To stop a child scratching the spots (which can leave pockmarks), Chinese-medicine shops sell a wintersweet oil (la mei you) for external use. If a pregnant family member is drinking it, leave out the coix and the drink is still fine for everyone.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Cherry): If there’s a cough or cold, can we still drink this? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink this even with a cold or cough.
- Q (an anonymous reader): Can I swap the sugarcane for corn? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use corn instead.
- Q (Fire-Horse Star): Can I leave out the coriander and use rush pith (deng xin cao) instead? My family doesn’t like the taste of coriander. Bro Niu: Yes, you can skip the coriander and use 6 bundles of rush pith (deng xin cao) instead.
Published February 11, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
