Recipes
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Pi Pa Ye Soothing Leaf Tea
A gentle East Asian infusion of de-fuzzed loquat leaf, traditionally used to ease cough and soothe the throat.
EasyCaffeine FreePale goldMildSlightly bitterGentle
200°F (93°C) 8-10 minutes
Historical Background
Loquat leaf (Pi Pa Ye) is the base of the famous loquat cough syrup of TCM, prized for 'descending lung qi' and soothing phlegm.
Traditional purpose: Cough and throat soothing (traditional)
Preparation
- 1
Wipe or brush any remaining fuzz from the dried leaf; rinse.
- 2
Tear the leaf and place in a cup; cover with just-boiled water.
- 3
Steep, covered, for 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Strain finely and add honey to taste.
Serving: Warm, once or twice a day, short-term.
Substitutions
- Mulberry leaf
- Mullein leaf
Storage
Use fresh.
Safety Notices
Remove leaf fuzz to avoid throat irritation. Avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy. Educational use only; not a treatment for chronic cough.
References & Sources
- WHO · WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (various)