When we go to Japan, we always like to bring back a little something special. My Japanese is virtually non-existent, but I immediately recognised the picture on the packet as being Houttuynia, a weed growing almost everywhere where there was moisture. The photos show it growing wild in Tokyo. This tea comprises 25 ingredients, here we go; Hatomugi – Chinese Pearl Barley, Habu Cha – Senna Tea, Oolong Tea, De-hulled Hatomugi, Houttuynia cordata, Black Soybean, Kumazasa Bamboo leaves, Wolfberry or Gojiberry leaves, Persimmon leaves, Pu-Erh tea, Rooibos, Plantain leaves, Kawaraketsumei – Autumn picked Bancha leaves, Loquat leaves, Liquorice root, Pomegranate leaves, Safflower, Eucommia ulmoides, Mugwort, Perilla leaves, Aloe vera, Jasmine flowers, Gymnema sylvestre, Rose petals, and Lotus leaves. So… What does it taste like? Rather lovely, similar to a Japanese Hoji Cha, obviously the Bancha and Pearl Barley influencing the taste. The aroma is quite ‘earthy’, not unpleasant but different. It is understood that this tea is ridiculously healthy, more a case of what doesn’t it help rather than what does it treat.
It goes without saying that if you're pregnant (or are under the doctor for anything) caution should be exercised with herbal decoctions.
