Perilla-Ginger-Brown Sugar Tea (cold type) and Mint-Mulberry-Chrysanthemum-Honeysuckle Drink (heat type)

Why people make these teas

During flu season, Nourilo points out that not all bodies respond the same way. Traditional Cantonese food therapy distinguishes between two tendencies: a “cold constitution” (people who easily feel cold, have pale complexions, dislike wind, and tend toward clear nasal discharge) and a “heat constitution” (people who feel warm easily, prefer cold drinks, have a tendency toward yellow phlegm, sore throat and red face). Each needs a different approach. These two simple herbal teas are designed accordingly — one warming, one cooling — and both are inexpensive, quick to make, and easy to find at any Chinese herb shop.

Method

For both teas:

1. Rinse all ingredients briefly.
2. Combine with water in a small pot.
3. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Strain and drink while warm.
5. To make a family-sized batch for 3–4 people, simply double all quantities.

Nourilo’s Tips

These quantities are for one person. For a family of three or four, doubling the amounts is sufficient — no need to multiply further. If your constitution is very weak and you catch colds repeatedly, Nourilo suggests looking into Yu Ping Feng San (玉屏风散) granules as a general immune-strengthening tonic; it is available at most traditional Chinese medicine shops.