Wampee Leaf Tea

Why people make this tea

The wampee fruit (huang pi) is a beloved subtropical fruit native to southern China, and in Cantonese tradition, almost every part of the plant has a use. The fruit eases digestion and clears phlegm; the seeds treat swellings and pain; even the leaves are valued medicinally. During the Lunar New Year period, bundles of wampee leaves and pomelo leaves are sold in markets — traditionally used to prepare cleansing herbal baths or freshen the home with their aromatic scent.

Bro Niu spotted dried wampee leaves at a Chinese herbal grocery shop in North Point, Hong Kong — a package of about 2 liang for just 10 HKD. He brewed them with a couple of honey dates, and the result was a pleasantly fragrant tea with a subtle sweetness. With flu season arriving and viruses in the air, this gentle tea — documented in Chinese literature for its volatile oils, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids — is a thoughtful everyday brew.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suits most adults as a preventive seasonal tea during cold or flu season
• Traditionally thought to benefit those with mild cold symptoms, cough with phlegm, asthma, or difficulty urinating due to heat
• This tea is itself traditionally used to address — not just prevent — influenza, so it is suitable to drink during a mild cold
• No specific contraindications noted; generally gentle and safe

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Wampee leaf (huang pi ye / Clausena lansium): Contains volatile oils, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids; traditionally used to disperse surface heat, support qi flow, resolve phlegm, and has been referenced in Chinese medical literature for supporting the body against influenza, epidemic meningitis, and malaria — though for serious illnesses, medical treatment is essential
• Honey dates (mi zao): Sweet and moistening; soften the tea’s slight bitterness and add a pleasant natural sweetness

Ingredients (2 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried wampee leaves	5 qian (~18 g)	Rinse before use
Honey dates	1–2 pieces	Rinse before use
Water	3 bowls (~750 mL)

Method

1. Rinse the dried wampee leaves and honey dates briefly.
2. Combine all ingredients with 3 bowls of water in a small pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid reduces to about 2 bowls.
4. Pour and drink warm. The tea has a clean, aromatic fragrance.

Bro Niu’s tips

• This tea is beneficial for flu, fever, phlegm-cough with asthma, and difficult urination due to heat.
• Fresh wampee leaves are difficult to find outside of the Lunar New Year season; dried leaves from Chinese herbal grocery shops are a convenient alternative and work very well.
• If heat-related skin sores or boils arise, the leaf can be used alone as a topical wash: simmer and apply the liquid to the affected area.
• No specific contraindications have been noted for this tea; it is generally mild and suitable for regular seasonal use.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Yan): Can I drink this wampee leaf tea when I already have a cold? Are there any restrictions? Bro Niu: This tea is itself used for preventing and treating colds and influenza. There are no restrictions — go ahead and drink it.

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Published November 10, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.