Have you ever felt thirsty even after drinking lots of water? Sometimes water alone may be insufficient for proper hydration. We lose fluid through regular respiration and perspiration, and when the environment gets drier, this leads to a significant decrease in the moisture content of our respiratory tract and skin, causing the body to lose water more rapidly than in humid conditions. Factor in exercise, prolonged exposure to heat, and/or air pollution can further exacerbate dehydration.
From a TCM perspective it’s important to consider nourishing yin and jin ye (津液) to support deeper hydration. If you are feeling parched even though you know you drank enough water, consider adding more yin nourishing foods such as goji, pears, figs, soups, pumpkins, broths, herbal teas and congee.
When the environment gets too dry, we love drinking white tea with pears, a delicious way to stay hydrated. This tea gently nourishes yin and clears heat offering both flavor and potential health benefits.
Ingredients:
Goji Berries: 1 tablespoon
White Tea: 1 teaspoon
Chrysanthemum Flowers: a small handful of dried flowers
Pears: 1 medium pear, sliced
Water: 4 cups
Optional: A handful of fresh mint leaves and sweetener of your choice.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the goji berries and chrysanthemum flowers under cold water. Slice the pear into thin pieces.
2. Boil Water: In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and remove from heat once it reached boiling point.
3. Steep the Tea:
- Add the white tea, chrysanthemum flowers, goji berries, and sliced pears.
- Let it steep for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Mint: After steeping, add fresh mint leaves and let it sit for another 2 minutes.
5. Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into cups. Sweeten with honey or your preferred sweetener to taste.
Health Benefits
Goji Berries: Known for their high antioxidant content, goji berries are believed to boost immune function and protect liver health. They are often used in TCM to improve vision and enhance overall vitality.
Chrysanthemum: This flower is traditionally used in TCM to clear heat and detoxify the body. It is also known for its benefits in improving eyesight and alleviating eye fatigue. Anti-inflammatory properties of chrysanthemum is particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis and respiratory issues.
White Tea: Cool and sweet, white tea helps to reduce internal heat caused by factors like spicy foods or stress. Rich in antioxidants, white tea contains high levels of catechins and polyphenols, potent antioxidants that combat oxidative stress to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and inflammation caused by airborne pollutants. This antioxidant content is beneficial for skin health.
Mint: Mint is a refreshing digestive aid and can also help soothe respiratory issues by acting as a natural decongestant.
Pears: In TCM, pears nourishes yin. Pears help generate body fluids and relieve thirst, making them ideal for combating dryness. Pears are also beneficial for lung health and are often recommended to alleviate dryness in the lungs caused by smoke inhalation.
Enjoy this delicious tea daily or several times a week to stay hydrated and support respiratory health during dry weather or challenging air quality conditions。
Citations:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7889311/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2014.00011/full
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336316194_A_REVIEW_OF_CHRYSANTHEMUM_THE_EASTERN_QUEEN_IN_TRADITIONAL_CHINESE_MEDICINE_WITH_HEALING_POWER_IN_MODERN_PHARMACEUTICAL_SCIENCES
