For Flu

Lei Ch'a (ground tea)

This very famous tea is used to treat flu or flu-like symptoms. there is a story about this tea, which dates from three kindoms period (A.D. 221-277).

A famous general was with his army in a mountainous district when he and all of his soldiers fell ill with flu. The local people knew of a special tea to treat the illness , but the recipe was a closely guarded secret. Nonetheless, the villagers decided that they had to try and help the army and gave them the tea to drink. The general and his army recovered and the tea became famous. today, visitors to mountain villages are sometimes welcomed with this tea.

1 teaspoon green tea leaves
1 desserspoon of long grain white rice, uncooked
2-3 thin slices of fresh root ginger, cut across the grain
3 cups (850ml) water

Wash the rice and finely chop the ginger slices. Put the tea, rice and ginger into a mortar with a little cold water and use a pestle to grind then into a fine paste. (you may also use a food processor).

Pour the water into a saucepan and bring to boil. Add the paste and continue to boil, stirring clockwise for 1-2 minutes. remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before drinkning.

You may adjust the proportions of the ingredients to taste.

Enjoy!