Wampee Leaf Tea

Why people make this tea

Come late autumn and early winter, wampee leaves are a traditional seasonal herb that pairs with pomelo leaves in Cantonese food culture. Most households use them in bathwater as a cleansing ritual, but Nourilo likes to make a simple drinking tea from the wampee leaves. The aroma is striking: crush a leaf between your fingers and a bright, citrusy fragrance is released. In traditional Cantonese food therapy, wampee leaves are considered warming in nature and are said to “dispel wind and open the surface” — a phrase that roughly means helping the body push out early-stage cold or flu pathogens. A small cup brewed with rock sugar is a gentle, fragrant way to care for yourself when you feel a cold coming on.

Method

1. Rinse the wampee leaves thoroughly under running water.
2. Remove any thick woody stems and cut or tear the leaves into smaller pieces.
3. Place leaves and 1.5 L of water in a pot.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes.
5. Stir in rock sugar and let it dissolve completely.
6. Pour through a strainer and serve warm.

Nourilo’s Tips

Wampee leaves are sometimes bundled together with pomelo leaves. If you want wampee specifically for drinking, ask the seller to separate them. During Chinese New Year season, you can buy a couple of extra bundles to hang by the door as a traditional decoration and brew the leaves for this wellness tea anytime.