Watercress and Monk Fruit Water

Why people make this water

In dry autumn and winter weather, the body can feel parched and the joints uneasy — what old folks call “bone fire” (gu huo). A simple and time-honoured remedy is to simmer fresh watercress with a monk fruit into a sweet, soothing tea. A bowl or two over a day or so usually takes the edge off the dryness and that lingering heaty feeling.

Method

1. Rinse the watercress thoroughly, keeping the roots on, and cut into sections.
2. Crack open the monk fruit.
3. Add both to a pot with 1.8 L of water.
4. Simmer about 2 hours until reduced to roughly 1.2 L. Drink throughout the day as you like.

Nourilo’s Tips

This water is clearing and moistening, traditionally used to ease dryness and loosen phlegm. Simmer it the full length of time so it is not too cooling — done this way it suits the whole family. Fresh watercress is available at Asian grocers; monk fruit (luo han guo) can be found at Chinese herb shops or Asian food stores.