A normal person secretes 1 to 1.5 liters of saliva daily. In addition to aiding eating and digestion, it acts as a natural cleanser for the mouth. If saliva secretion decreases, it can easily cause bad breath. For this reason, people who often have a dry mouth should drink more osmanthus tea. It not only stimulates saliva production to quench thirst but also prevents and treats bad breath.
Osmanthus, also known as "Nine-Mile Fragrance," has a fresh scent. The "osmanthus distillate" obtained from steam-distilling osmanthus is a premium beverage that awakens the spleen, stimulates the appetite, and soothes the liver to regulate qi. It is also commonly used to relieve a sore throat, dry mouth, bad breath, and toothaches; brewing osmanthus tea has similar effects. Since osmanthus is pungent and warm in nature, it is best in spring to pair it with cooler green or oolong tea. Use 3 grams of dried osmanthus and 5 grams of green or oolong tea, steep in boiling water for 6 minutes, and it is ready to drink.
Additionally, individuals with a deficient and cold constitution or who often suffer from a cold stomach can drink boiled hawthorn and osmanthus water. Use 12 grams of osmanthus, 6 grams of hawthorn, and 3 grams of dangshen (Codonopsis root). Place them in a small pot with 500 ml of water, bring to a boil, then reduce to the lowest heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain the liquid, add a small amount of rock sugar, let it cool, and drink it frequently as a tea.