---
title: "Japanese Tea — Homemade Bay Leaf, Cinnamon, and Lemon Infusion"
description: "Versión en Español. The so-called Japanese tea is a simple herbal infusion made by simmering 4 bay leaves and 3 cinnamon sticks in 500 ml of water for 5 minutes, resting it for 5 more, straining, and..."
url: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/japanese-tea-bay-leaf-cinnamon-lemon-infusion-recipe/
date: 2026-09-27
modified: 2026-09-27
author: "Carlos Uhart M."
image: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/japanese-tea-bay-leaf-cinnamon-lemon-infusion-featured.jpg
categories: ["Beverages"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Japanese Tea — Homemade Bay Leaf, Cinnamon, and Lemon Infusion

[Versión en Español](https://comidaschilenas.com/receta-de-te-japones-para-bajar-de-peso/)

![Cup of golden bay leaf and cinnamon infusion known as Japanese tea, with a lemon wedge](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/japanese-tea-bay-leaf-cinnamon-lemon-infusion-featured.jpg)*Homemade Japanese tea infusion*

The so-called Japanese tea is a simple herbal infusion made by simmering 4 bay leaves and 3 cinnamon sticks in 500 ml of water for 5 minutes, resting it for 5 more, straining, and adding lemon juice. It takes 5 minutes of preparation plus 10 minutes of cooking and serves 2 people.

It is popular in Chile as a light drink for bloating and digestion, best taken as part of a balanced diet rather than as a weight-loss remedy.

## How to Make Japanese Tea?

This infusion needs only four common kitchen ingredients: water, bay leaves, cinnamon, and lemon. The spices are simmered, left to steep, strained, and finished with lemon.

## Nutritional Information

Each serving of Japanese tea contains approximately 5 kcal, 0 g of fat, 0 g of protein, 2 g of carbohydrates, 0 g of sugars, and 2 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

## Homemade Japanese Tea Recipe

**Preparation:** 5 minutes
**Cooking:** 10 minutes
**Servings:** 2 people

### Ingredients

- 500 ml (2 cups) of water
- 4 bay leaves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

### Instructions

1. In a medium pot, add the water, bay leaves, and cinnamon sticks, bring to a boil over high heat, lower the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.

![Cinnamon sticks simmering for the Japanese tea](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Cinnamon-Sticks-Boiling-in-Sugar-Syrup-Chilean-Canelita.jpg)*Cinnamon sticks*

1. Remove the pot from the heat and let it steep for another 5 minutes. Strain to separate the tea from the spices, add the lemon juice, and stir.

![Dried bay leaves for the infusion](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/bay-leaves-chicken-stock-pollona.jpg)*Bay leaves*

1. Drink a cup warm in the morning and keep the rest to sip during the day.

## Additional Tips

### Be realistic

No infusion causes weight loss on its own; this tea is a light, calorie-free drink that fits into a balanced diet and regular exercise.

### Add ginger

A slice of fresh ginger during the simmer adds warmth and flavor without calories.

### Check with your doctor

If you are pregnant, take medication, or have a health condition, ask a professional before drinking herbal infusions daily.

| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cinnamon sticks | Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon | Strain well |
| Lemon juice | Lime juice | 1:1 | More aromatic |
| Bay leaves | Fresh ginger slices | 3 slices | Spicier |
| Hot | Chilled over ice | | Refreshing |

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### 1. Does Japanese tea help you lose weight?

There is no evidence that it causes weight loss by itself. It is a calorie-free drink that can help with hydration and a feeling of lightness as part of a balanced diet.

### 2. When is it usually drunk?

Many people drink it in the morning and sip the rest during the day.

### 3. Can I use ground cinnamon?

Yes, use about 1/2 teaspoon and strain it well to avoid residue.

### 4. Why is it called Japanese tea?

The ingredients are not Japanese; the name probably comes from wellness trends that associate infusions with countries known for longevity, such as Japan.

## What Is Japanese Tea?

Japanese tea is a popular Chilean name for a homemade infusion of bay leaves, cinnamon, and lemon, not an actual Japanese tea.

## About Bay Leaves

Bay leaves contain aromatic compounds such as eugenol and linalool and have long been used in folk medicine for digestion.

## Did You Know?

Cinnamon sticks come from the dried inner bark of trees of the genus Cinnamomum, which curls into quills as it dries.

## Recommended

- [Chilean Bariatric Digestive Tea](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-bariatric-tea-digestive-herbal-infusion-recipe/)
- [Chilean Culén Herbal Punch](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-culen-ponche-herbal-punch-recipe/)
- [Chilean Maqui Berry Coffee](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-maqui-berry-coffee-cafe-de-maqui-recipe/)
- [Chilean Canelita Cinnamon Mistela](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-canelita-cinnamon-mistela-recipe/)