Botanical Name: Lobelia chinensis
- English: Asian lobelia, Chinese Lobelia, and Herba Lobellae Chinensis
- Also, known as: Chinese: 半边莲; pinyin: bàn biān lián, 半遍莲, Herba Lobeliae Chinensis Gum Radice, bàn biàn lián, Half Edged Lily
Parts Used: Herb
Lobelia chinensis is a small perennial herb that grows in tangled clumps from 15 centimetres (5.9 in) to 35 centimetres (14 in) long. It has a long, thin, branching stem that is olive green and green-brown crumpled narrow leaves. It has little to no odor and a sweet and pungent taste. When harvesting herbs for medical use, the ones with the greenest stems and yellower roots are preferred. Lobelia chinensis is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese herbology.
How to use:
The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!
- You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
- You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
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This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.