Five-Finger Peach Root, Bergamot & Tangerine Peel Tea

Why people make this tea

Acid reflux — that burning sensation when stomach acid travels back up into the oesophagus — is extremely common, affecting people who are overweight, elderly, pregnant, prone to late-night eating, or who smoke or drink regularly. Western medicine typically addresses it with antacids or proton pump inhibitors, and these are often necessary. But alongside conventional care, this simple three-ingredient tea has been used in Cantonese food therapy as a gentle daily support for the digestive system. The pleasant, slightly coconut-like aroma of five-finger peach root makes it more approachable than many herbal preparations.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients; soak briefly in cold water then drain.
2. Combine with 1.5 L of water in a pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
4. Serve warm. Drink as a tea, or add pork shank and simmer longer for a full soup.

Nourilo’s Tips

Five-finger peach root is available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online. The root gives the broth a subtle, pleasant coconut-like fragrance that makes this tea quite enjoyable to drink. If the slight bitterness of the bergamot and tangerine peel is off-putting, add a couple of honey dates to sweeten the flavour naturally. For preventive wellness use, 1–2 servings per week is sufficient; increase to 3–4 times weekly during periods of active symptoms.