Herbal & Flower Teas
Houttuynia & Job's Tears Water (Fish-Mint Tea)
Traditionally helps clear damp-heat and soothe eczema-prone skin
Why people make this tea
Fresh houttuynia — the de-leaved root-stems — is available at Chinese or Asian grocers. It smells strongly fishy raw (hence the Chinese name “fish-smell herb”), but once simmered the smell vanishes and turns fragrant and clean. In Chinese food tradition houttuynia is valued for clearing heat and dampness, and it is a classic choice when eczema flares up hot — red, swollen, weepy, itchy skin. Paired with raw Job’s tears and a little rock sugar, it makes a light water you sip in place of tea for a few days.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with hot, flaring eczema (red, swollen, blistered, itchy), or with urinary-tract discomfort.
- Cold-constitution (cold-and-weak) people should use it cautiously, as houttuynia is cooling.
- If you feel any discomfort (bloating, palpitations) after drinking — as with any food sensitivity — stop. Severe or oozing eczema needs a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Houttuynia (yu xing cao): Traditionally associated with clearing heat and toxins, easing swelling, and supporting urinary comfort; a classic for hot, damp skin conditions.
- Raw Job’s tears (sheng yi mi): Traditionally drains dampness and supports the skin; for eczema you can add ~38 g each of mung beans and adzuki beans to strengthen the effect.
- Rock sugar (bing tang): Softens the taste; optional — you can replace it with a fig instead.
Ingredients (about 4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh houttuynia (yu xing cao) | ~75 g | Or ~19 g dried |
| Raw Job’s tears (sheng yi mi) | ~75 g | |
| Rock sugar | To taste | Optional; or use a fig |
| Water | 5 bowls |
Method
- Rinse the fresh houttuynia.
- Simmer the raw Job’s tears in 5 bowls of water for 1 hour.
- Add the houttuynia and cook just 10 minutes more (it does not take long boiling, or the benefit fades).
- Stir in rock sugar until dissolved, then drink as a tea.
Bro Niu’s tips
The herb shown is the root-stem; Chinese herb shops also sell it with stems and leaves attached — the whole plant is usable, and the leafy kind is good too. This water also suits people with urinary-tract irritation. For eczema, add ~38 g each of mung beans and adzuki beans to strengthen the effect. Dried houttuynia needs only about 20 minutes’ cooking. Cold-constitution people should go easy.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (reader): Can I make this for a 4-year-old with eczema? How should I adjust the amounts? Bro Niu: Children can drink it. Use ~57 g fresh houttuynia, ~38 g raw Job’s tears, and rock sugar to taste; same method.
- Q (Su Tai): Thank you, Bro Niu — this water really worked; the eczema faded over 2 to 3 days. Bro Niu: (On dried houttuynia) It does not take long boiling, or its benefit lessens — about 20 minutes is enough.
- Q (Hailey): Can I leave out the rock sugar and add a fig instead? Bro Niu: Yes, you can skip the sugar and add a fig.
Published April 21, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
