Herbal Teas
Dried Snow Pear and Solomon's Seal Tea (Xue Li Gan Yu Zhu Cha)
Dried snow pear and Solomon's seal tea is a classic Chinese wellness tea designed to nourish yin, moisten the lungs, promote fluid production, and relieve dryness. Dried snow pear, sweet and slightly sour in taste with a cool nature, acts on the lung and stomach meridians, clearing lung heat, moistening dryness, and promoting fluid production. Yuzhu, sweet in taste with a slightly cold nature, also acts on the lung and stomach meridians, nourishing yin, moistening dryness, and promoting fluid production. Both target the lung and stomach meridians with similar properties and complementary effects – snow pear clears lung heat to address the "symptoms," while Yuzhu nourishes lung yin to strengthen the "root." One clears, one nourishes, working synergistically to enhance lung-moistening power. Compared to fresh pears, dried snow pear is moisturizing but not cold, making it more温和. Yuzhu is known for being "sweet, rich in moisture, gentle, and edible without harming the spleen and stomach". The tea has a clear, golden color, with the natural sweetness of pear blending with the mellow, moisturizing taste of Yuzhu. It is smooth and soothing, with a long-lasting sweet aftertaste. It is especially suitable for the dry autumn and winter seasons, for those who use their voice frequently, stay up late, or have a yin-deficient constitution – making it a "natural throat moisturizer" for the office and home.
Main Ingredients
- Dried snow pear slices 10-15g (about 5-8 slices)
- Solomon's seal (Yuzhu) 8-10g
- Boiling water l 500-800m
- Rock sugar or honey to taste
Steps
Quickly rinse the dried snow pear slices and Yuzhu with water to remove surface dust. No prolonged soaking is needed.
Brewing method (convenient): Place the dried snow pear and Yuzhu into a cup or thermos. Pour in boiling water at 95℃-100℃. Cover and steep for 15-20 minutes. Drink when it cools to a comfortable temperature. Can be re-brewed 2-3 times. Decoction method (more potent): Place the dried snow pear and Yuzhu into a kettle or small pot with 500-800ml of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain and drink. Alternatively, simmer Yuzhu for 15 minutes first, then add dried snow pear and simmer for another 10 minutes for better extraction of Yuzhu's active compounds.
When the tea cools to about 50℃-60℃, add rock sugar or honey to taste.
Drink 1-2 servings per day as a tea substitute, warm. The tea has a natural sweetness from the pear, so it's recommended to consume it without or with minimal added sugar. It is best consumed 3-5 times per week. After 2 weeks of continuous consumption, take a 3-5 day break.
TCM Notes
Nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, promoting fluids & relieving thirst (core benefit): Dried snow pear is rich in fructose and water. The Compendium of Materia Medica records that it "moistens the lungs, cools the heart, resolves phlegm, and reduces fire". Its polysaccharides can relieve respiratory mucosal dryness. Yuzhu nourishes yin, moistens dryness, and promotes fluid production, effectively relieving lung and stomach yin injury, dry cough due to dryness-heat, and dry throat and thirst. Together, they form a classic combination for combating "autumn dryness" and "winter dryness". Clearing heat, resolving phlegm & relieving throat discomfort: Dried snow pear clears lung heat, resolves phlegm, and relieves cough, helping with dry cough with little phlegm and sore, dry throat caused by lung heat or lung dryness. Yuzhu nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, assisting in relieving dry cough due to yin deficiency. Moisturizing the skin & improving dryness: Dried snow pear promotes fluid production and moistens dryness, hydrating the skin from within. Yuzhu contains vitamin A and other components that can improve rough skin. Together, they effectively relieve dry skin and chapped lips during autumn and winter. Gentle and suitable for long-term use: The cold nature of dried snow pear is greatly reduced through low-temperature processing, and Yuzhu is known to be gentle on the spleen and stomach even with long-term use. The combination is balanced and suitable for daily wellness consumption.
Suitable for：Those experiencing dry mouth, throat, or skin due to dry autumn and winter weather Those who use their voice frequently (e.g., teachers, broadcasters, salespeople) for throat care Those who stay up late, smoke, or are often in air-conditioned or dry environments Those with lung-dry cough, dry cough with little or no phlegm Those with yin deficiency, internal heat with thirst, or fluid-depletion thirst Those who frequently use digital devices and experience dry, tired eyes (more effective with wild chrysanthemum) General population for daily wellness during dry autumn and winter seasons
Not suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, loose stools, or diarrhea (Use with caution or avoid!): Both dried snow pear and Yuzhu are cool in nature. This cooling and moistening tea may worsen abdominal pain and diarrhea in those with a weak spleen and stomach. If consuming, add 1-2 slices of fresh ginger to balance the cool nature and strictly control the amount (no more than a small cup). Those with excessive phlegm-dampness or profuse thin phlegm (Use with caution!): Symptoms include copious thin phlegm, greasy tongue coating, chest tightness, and epigastric fullness – this yin-nourishing tea may promote dampness and phlegm, worsening symptoms. Those with wind-cold coughs (Avoid!): Symptoms include deep cough with thin white phlegm, clear runny nose, chills, and absence of sweating – the cooling, moistening ingredients may worsen the condition. Those with external wind-cold or colds with fever (Avoid!): Yin-nourishing herbs may trap pathogens in the body, hindering recovery. Pregnant women (Use with caution): The tea is cooling and moistening – pregnant women should consult a physician before consuming. Those allergic to snow pear or Yuzhu (Avoid): May cause rashes, itching, or other allergic reactions.
