Leung cha, a quick and convenient solution, is believed to have a cooling effect on “internal heat” and is utilized for addressing various health issues. It has served as a cost-effective substitute for medical professionals since the late 19th century and was officially recognized as part of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage in 2006. Included below are a few examples of the common ingredients used in leung cha: Round leaf holly, Thin Evodia, Heal-all herbs, Bitter melon, and Dandelions.
Known as herbal tea in English, leung cha literally translates to “cooling tea”. It is a blend of herbs derived from China’s Guangdong province and is said to possess medicinal qualities. However, contrary to its name, leung cha rarely contain any actual tea leaves and instead resembles a bitter Chinese herbal drink.
In China, people have a long-standing tradition of paying close attention to the balance of their bodies and believe that their diet plays a crucial role in their overall health. Traditional Chinese medicine categorizes food and herbs based on whether they have a warming or cooling effect on the body’s metabolism. It’s interesting to note that even acidic foods can be classified as “heaty” regardless of their temperature or spiciness. To help rid the body of excess heat and alleviate initial symptoms, it is recommended to consume “cooling tea” while it is still piping hot, as this is believed to prevent illnesses from fully developing.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the hot and humid environment in South China facilitates the growth of germs and diseases, making it essential to take precautions. Additionally, this climate poses a challenge to the body’s internal balance, leading to the accumulation of “heat” and “dampness.” It’s important to note that Hong Kong experiences a prolonged period of highly humid and hot weather for seven months. In terms of body temperature regulation, sweating plays a vital role as it cools the skin through evaporation. However, the excessive humidity hinders the body’s natural cooling mechanism, resulting in the internal buildup of heat. This perspective is in line with traditional beliefs.
“Heat” and “dampness” accumulate inside the body when too much “heaty food” is consumed in a humid environment
People from Guangdong province drink leung cha for its cooling benefits to rid the body of excessive internal heat and dampness
Excessive herbal tea may lead to dizziness through the body becoming too “cold”. The following people should avoid herbal tea:
It is advisable to consult your doctor if you are new to drinking leung cha.
