In China, herbs have been used as a way to heal, boost and nourish the body for centuries. Known as
leung cha (涼茶) in Cantonese, which translates to “cooling tea” in English, Chinese herbal teas are an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and have been believed to help prevent illnesses by minimising the body’s excessive heat and dampness.
Today, Chinese herbal teas still remain popular in Hong Kong, as it’s believed that herbal teas act as a healthier, natural alternative to Western medicine. Whether you prefer to get your herbal tea fix from grab-and-go shops at the MTR station, or if you like old-school herbal tea shops that serve their magic potions in ceramic bowls, Chinese herbal teas can still feel daunting especially when you have no idea what each drink consists of or the benefits each one would bring. Here, we break down several popular Chinese herbal tea drinks for your next health fix.