Tonic Drinks & Waters
Litsea Leaf, Loquat Leaf, Dried Mandarin Orange and Pear Drink
Traditionally used to clear heat from the lungs and liver, ease phlegm, and soothe throat irritation from smoking or drinking
Why people make this drink
City life comes with its pressures, and for many people — business dinners, late nights, a cigarette or two — the first thing to suffer is the throat and lungs. Liver heat (a concept in Chinese medicine that overlaps with what Western medicine might describe as stress-related inflammation or elevated liver enzymes) can manifest as a sore or inflamed throat, swollen gums, and a general sense of overheating. This pleasant, pear-based drink is Bro Niu’s go-to remedy for those who need to be social but want to protect their lungs and liver at the same time. Litsea leaf and loquat leaf both target the lungs and stomach to clear heat and dissolve phlegm; dried mandarin orange strengthens the spleen and settles cough; pear — the great lung-cooler — also helps clear alcohol toxins. Think of it as a practical, delicious reset drink for the morning after.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who smoke regularly or drink socially and experience sore throat, phlegm, or heat in the throat
- Those with mild liver heat symptoms: gum soreness, persistent thirst, irritability
- Also beneficial for those with thyroid nodules — can be taken as a regular drink
- Safe for all ages; children and the elderly can drink this
- Pregnant women: the dried mandarin orange and pear are both fine; this is a gentle and safe drink during pregnancy (though do check with your doctor for any specific concerns)
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Litsea leaves (long li ye): Traditionally used to clear heat from the lungs, dissolve phlegm, and relieve cough; a popular ingredient in Cantonese herbal soups for respiratory complaints
- Loquat leaves (pi pa ye): Well-known in Chinese medicine for clearing lung heat, calming cough, settling the stomach, and promoting downward flow of qi (reducing nausea and phlegm); the two leaf herbs together create a synergistic lung-clearing effect
- Mixed apricot kernels (nan bei xing): A classic Cantonese soup ingredient for moistening the lungs and relieving cough; the southern kernel (nan xing) is the sweet, milder variety; the northern (bei xing) adds a stronger cough-relieving effect
- Dried mandarin orange (ju bing): Warms the spleen and stomach, dissolves phlegm, and relieves cough; also mildly sweet and pleasant-tasting
- Asian pear (xue li): Clears heat, moistens the lungs, reduces phlegm, dissolves alcohol toxins, and supports liver detoxification; cooking with the skin intact preserves more nutritional value
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh litsea leaves (long li ye) | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinse well |
| Fresh loquat leaves (pi pa ye) | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinse well |
| Mixed apricot kernels (nan bei xing) | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinse briefly |
| Dried mandarin orange (ju bing) | 2 pieces | Rinse and chop finely |
| Asian pears (xue li) | 2 medium | Leave skin on; rinse well, core and cut into chunks |
| Water | 7 bowls (~1.75 L) | To cook down to 4 bowls |
Method
- Rinse the litsea leaves and loquat leaves thoroughly.
- Rinse the apricot kernels briefly.
- Rinse the dried mandarin orange pieces and chop them into small pieces.
- Wash the Asian pears (keep the skin on), remove the cores, and cut into chunks.
- Combine all ingredients with 7 bowls of water in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer and cook for 30 minutes until the liquid reduces to about 4 bowls.
- Drink while warm; suitable for the whole family.
Bro Niu’s tips
This is a light, refreshing, and moistening drink that is suitable for all ages. Beyond smoking and drinking recovery, it is also particularly helpful for people with thyroid nodules or goitre — they may take it on a regular basis. The combination of litsea and loquat leaves gives it a pleasant, slightly herbal flavour that is easy to enjoy.
Published October 29, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
