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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
How to adapt this recipe to a vegan or vegetarian version?
How to adapt this recipe to a gluten-free version?
How to adapt this recipe to a keto (ketogenic) version?
Recommended
- Chilean Bariatric Digestive Tea
- Chilean Culén Herbal Punch
- Chilean Maqui Berry Coffee
- Chilean Canelita Cinnamon Mistela
