Candied Winter Melon, Adzuki Bean and Corn Silk Tea

Why people make this tea

Winter melon is usually thought of as a summer cooler, but Nourilo keeps candied winter melon on hand year-round because it brews into a pleasant tea that is traditionally associated with promoting urination and easing water retention. Pair it with adzuki bean — long valued for draining dampness and reducing swelling — and corn silk, which is associated with supporting the kidneys, and you get a gentle, supportive cup.

Method

1. Soak and rinse all the ingredients.
2. Simmer in 1.8 L of water for 1 hour, reducing to 600–900 ml. Drink as a tea.

Nourilo’s Tips

This food-therapy tea is light and fragrant. It traditionally suits people with scanty urine, mild urinary-tract discomfort, kidney stones, or protein in the urine. For those with protein in the urine, up to 3 batches a week is reasonable. If you have frequent night urination, drink it in the morning and before the afternoon-tea hour rather than late in the day.