Four Types of Dried Leaves That Turn Into “Natural Treasures” — Many People Regret Throwing Them Away

Since ancient times, our ancestors have known how to make use of natural leaves to brew tea that helps detoxify the body, improve digestion, and enhance overall health. Among these, guava leaves, perilla leaves, lotus leaves, and cleyera leaves (vối) are considered natural elixirs when dried and steeped in hot water.

Let’s discover the amazing benefits of these four herbal teas!

1. Vối Leaves – A Cleansing Tea for the Body and Digestive System

Dried vối leaves (cleyera leaves) are widely used in traditional Vietnamese medicine. Vối tea has a slightly bitter taste with a gentle sweetness afterward, providing numerous health benefits such as body detoxification, improved digestion, and blood sugar regulation.

How to brew vối leaf tea:

• Use about 10–15g of dried vối leaves and rinse them briefly.

• Add them to a teapot with 1 liter of boiling water.

• Let steep for 15–20 minutes.

• You can drink it warm or cool throughout the day instead of plain water.

Benefits:

• Detoxifies the body and cools the liver.

• Supports digestion, reduces bloating and indigestion.

• Helps stabilize blood sugar — beneficial for those with diabetes.

💡 Extra tip: Regularly drinking vối tea after meals may also help reduce cravings for sugary drinks, making it a great choice for weight management.

2. Lotus Leaves – A Tea That Lowers Blood Fat and Promotes Relaxation

In traditional Eastern medicine, lotus leaves are regarded as a precious herbal ingredient. When dried and brewed into tea, they emit a light aroma and mild flavor that not only calms the mind but also helps reduce cholesterol and body fat.

How to brew lotus leaf tea:

• Take 5–7g of dried lotus leaves, rinse them clean.

• Steep in 300ml of hot water for 5–7 minutes.

• Drink it in the evening or before bedtime for best relaxation effects.

Benefits:

• Lowers cholesterol and supports weight loss.

• Soothes the nerves, relieves stress, and improves sleep quality.

• Regulates blood pressure and supports heart health.

💡 Additional insight: Lotus leaf tea can be enjoyed cold during summer as a refreshing drink that both hydrates and calms the body.

3. Perilla Leaves – A Natural Remedy for Colds and Immune Support

Perilla leaves are not only a common kitchen herb but also a valuable medicinal plant when dried and brewed into tea. Perilla tea is particularly helpful during seasonal changes, as it helps fight colds, reduce inflammation, and strengthen immunity.

How to brew perilla leaf tea:

• Use 5–6 dried perilla leaves and rinse briefly.

• Steep with boiling water for about 5 minutes.

• You can add a teaspoon of honey to enhance both the flavor and health benefits.

Benefits:

• Helps relieve cold symptoms and warms the body.

• Reduces sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion.

• Anti-inflammatory properties strengthen immune defenses.

💡 Pro tip: Drinking a warm cup of perilla tea before heading out on chilly or rainy days may help prevent seasonal flu and colds naturally.

4. Guava Leaves – A Tea That Supports Digestion and Blood Sugar Control

Guava leaves are a well-known folk remedy for promoting digestion, easing diarrhea, and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Dried guava leaf tea has a mildly bitter yet pleasant taste and can easily be enjoyed daily.

How to brew guava leaf tea:

• Take 5–7 dried guava leaves and rinse clean.

• Steep in hot water for about 10 minutes.

• Drink it warm or let it cool and sip after meals.

Benefits:

• Aids in treating mild diarrhea and digestive disorders.

• Helps regulate blood sugar, suitable for diabetics.

• Has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that promote oral health.

💡 Extra note: Some people also use guava tea as a gentle detox drink, combining it with a few dried vối or lotus leaves for a balanced taste and stronger effect.

⚠️ Precautions When Using Dried Leaf Teas

• Avoid drinking too much — 1–2 cups per day is sufficient.

• Choose clean, chemical-free leaves, and dry them properly to retain their medicinal properties.

• If you have chronic illnesses or are taking medication, consult your doctor before consuming herbal teas regularly.

These four types of dried leaves are not only easy to find but also offer remarkable health benefits. Instead of discarding them, make the most of these gifts from nature. A simple cup of herbal tea each day can help you stay refreshed, relaxed, and healthy naturally.