Herbal Tea (Liang Cha), also known as "Bitter Tea"

AI Gourmet Analysis

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Overview

Liangcha (Cantonese: leung cha, also known as "bitter tea") is a traditional herbal tea mainly enjoyed in southern China, particularly in Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macau. It is made by simmering several types of medicinal herbs and Chinese medicine ingredients blended in unique combinations, with its distinctive bitterness considered its most prominent feature. This beverage has a long history and has been consumed especially for health management during the summer, to reduce fevers, relieve sore throats, and “cool down” the body. Supported by the ideas of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), herbs with various medicinal effects are skillfully balanced in its preparation.

History and Development

The exact origins of liangcha are unclear, but literature indicates that it was widely consumed as a part of folk remedies from the late Qing dynasty. In the 20th century, its popularity spread not only throughout mainland China but also to Southeast Asia through the Chinese diaspora. Especially in Hong Kong and Guangdong, numerous specialist shops called “liangcha po” exist, each preserving their own regional and store-specific recipes and blends. In Hong Kong, old establishments like Yeung Wo Tong are well known, and today, liangcha enjoys broad usage across all age groups.

Main Ingredients and Varieties

The ingredients of liangcha differ depending on the shop or household, but the following medicinal plants are commonly used:

Ingredient Name	Function / Characteristic
Chrysanthemum	Believed to reduce heat and improve eye fatigue
Prunella vulgaris	Cools excess internal heat
Luo Han Guo (Monk Fruit)	Soothes sore throat and coughs
Honeysuckle	Antibacterial effect, immune booster
Licorice Root	Mitigates bitterness, anti-inflammatory effects

Other ingredients may include lotus leaves, mesona (grass jelly), hawthorn, and more, with regional and functional blends varying widely. Some blends are simply bitter, while others have a faint sweetness, resulting in a wide range of tastes.

Health Effects and Perspectives from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Liangcha has traditionally been believed to provide "qingre jiedu" (clear away heat and detoxify) and "jianghuo" (suppress inflammation and internal heat). However, these effects are based on the framework of traditional Chinese medicine, and modern scientific support remains limited. Given the frequent use of herbs with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in Hong Kong and Guangdong, liangcha has become well established as part of daily health maintenance. It is also noted that excessive or habitual consumption may cause physical discomfort (such as chills) depending on one’s constitution, so matching use to individual needs is recommended.

Liangcha Shops and Contemporary Developments

Liangcha is sold at specialist shops called "liangcha po" or at stores that also serve as pharmacies. In these shops, liangcha is typically sold bottled or in paper cups, and unique recipes and claimed health benefits are often displayed. In recent years, more products targeting young people that are sweeter and easier to drink have appeared, alongside PET bottled liangcha available at convenience stores and supermarkets. Coupled with the health trend, liangcha has become integrated into everyday life in Hong Kong. Yeung Wo Tong, founded in 1845 in Hong Kong, is a famous long-standing shop known for its commitment to traditional methods partnered with modern hygiene management, offering a wide variety of herbal beverages.

International Recognition and Future Prospects

In the 21st century, the Chinese government designated liangcha as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006, and it has been recognized worldwide as a unique part of food and health culture. Overseas, it is often introduced as the "Chinese Herbal Drink" in line with rising health consciousness. The tendency towards health and re-evaluation of traditional medicine across Asia suggests that liangcha will continue to see growing popularity in the coming years.