5 types of leaves help detoxify, good for the respiratory system
Hot and humid weather can easily cause the body to accumulate heat and produce toxins. Oriental medicine experts suggest 5 familiar leaves that help clear heat and detoxify, supporting the respiratory system well in the summer.
According to Master, Doctor Nguyen Thu Trang, Department of Traditional Medicine, 108 Central Military Hospital, some types of leaves around the house can become cool drinks, good for the body in the summer.
Green tea leaves
Fresh green tea leaves contain many powerful antioxidants such as catechins, which in addition to their cooling and detoxifying effects, also aid in cancer prevention, are good for the skeletal system and beautify the skin.
“However, you should not drink green tea that is too strong, as it can easily stimulate the nerves and cause insomnia. People with stomach problems should be careful and should not drink green tea when hungry.”Doctor Trang noted.

guava leaves
One of the most popular leaves used to make summer drinks is guava leaves. According to Dr. Nguyen Thu Trang, guava leaves have a slightly bitter taste, are cooling, have digestive, antibacterial and diuretic effects.
Drinking guava leaf water not only helps to cool down but also aids digestion, reduces uric acid in the blood, and is beneficial for patients with gout. Especially for those who often eat a lot of protein or fat. Every day, you can use about 20-30g of fresh guava leaves or 15g of dried guava leaves, boil with 1-1.5 liters of water, and drink instead of tea.
Plantain leaves
Plantain leaves are classified in Oriental medicine as a medicinal herb with diuretic, choleretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Every day, you only need to use about 10-15g of dried plantain leaves boiled with 1 liter of water to meet your body's needs during the summer.
Plantain leaves are especially effective in supporting the treatment of urinary tract infections, urinary stones, hepatitis, and help reduce mild edema due to water retention. They are good to use in the summer when low heat prevails.

Gotu kola leaves
Gotu kola is also a familiar name in many folk remedies. Gotu kola has a slightly bitter taste, cold properties, helps clear heat, cool the blood, and supports smooth skin in the hot season.
You can pound it to get the juice and drink it directly or dilute it to make a cooling drink. Although pennywort is cool, you should not overuse it because it can easily cause cold stomach or bloating, especially in people with cold constitution.
Mulberry leaves
Mulberry leaves are an often forgotten ingredient but have many benefits in Oriental medicine. Mulberry leaves are sweet, cool, have the effect of clearing the lungs, nourishing yin, and are often used in remedies for heat coughs and insomnia caused by heat in the liver. Mulberry leaves can be dried and boiled to drink every day.
MSc. Dr. Nguyen Thu Trang noted:“Although the above-mentioned leaves all have the effect of clearing the liver and cooling the body, their use must be appropriate to each person’s physical condition. Do not arbitrarily combine too many types in one day and pay attention to your digestive condition, blood pressure, and underlying medical history before using them regularly.”
Returning to natural herbs is not only a traditional habit but also a green living trend, helping the body regulate better in harsh weather conditions.
The hot summer not only causes discomfort on the outside but also affects the internal organs, especially the liver. According to Oriental medicine experts, it is necessary to combine a healthy lifestyle, a reasonable diet and adequate rest to achieve optimal results./.