What is the perfect combination with Chinese plum (Prunus mume) to steep in water for drinking?
Jan 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no specific claim that "black plums (wu mei) have a perfect pairing for making tea," but black plums can be combined with ingredients such as hawthorn, Ophiopogon root (mai dong), tangerine peel (chen pi), almonds, and pear to make infused water. Ophiopogon root has the effect of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, while tangerine peel helps regulate qi and strengthen the spleen. When used together in infused water, they can promote the production of body fluids, benefit qi, nourish yin, and relieve dryness, significantly improving symptoms such as dry mouth and indigestion.
Generally speaking, there is no specific claim that "black plums (wu mei) have a perfect pairing with any particular ingredient for making tea," but black plums can be combined with ingredients such as hawthorn, dwarf lilyturf root, tangerine peel, almond, and pear for making tea. The specific combinations are analyzed as follows:
1. Hawthorn: Hawthorn helps digestion, eliminates food stagnation, lowers lipid levels, and aids weight loss. When steeped together with black plums, it can enhance digestive function and help improve symptoms such as poor appetite and indigestion.
2. Dwarf Lilyturf Root: Dwarf lilyturf root nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, while tangerine peel regulates qi and strengthens the spleen. When combined in a tea, they can promote the production of body fluids, invigorate qi, nourish yin, and relieve dryness, significantly improving symptoms such as dry mouth and throat or indigestion.
3. Tangerine Peel: Tangerine peel is warm in nature and pungent in taste, and it helps regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and resolve phlegm. When combined with black plums, it can regulate the spleen and stomach, improve digestion and absorption, and help alleviate chronic gastritis and stomach pain.
4. Almond: Black plums have a certain effect in relieving cough and asthma, while almonds help relieve cough and expel phlegm. When steeped together, they can enhance the effect of cough relief and improve symptoms such as chronic cough due to lung deficiency and shortness of breath with fatigue.
5. Pear: Black plums are rich in vitamin C and various minerals, which can boost immunity and promote intestinal motility. Pears have the effects of moistening the lungs, relieving cough, clearing heat, and reducing internal fire. Together, they can moisten the lungs and resolve phlegm, making them especially suitable for drinking during autumn and winter.
When using black plums to make tea, combining them appropriately with other ingredients can help achieve better results. However, it is important to consume the tea in moderation and avoid excessive intake.
