''Gyeolmyeongja-cha'' () or sicklepod tea is a tea made from roasted (but not ground) seeds of ''
Senna'' (formerly ''Cassia'')
spp., especially ''
S. obtusifolia'' and ''
S. tora''.
Ingredient
The roasted seeds of ''gyeolmyeongja'' () are used,
this being the Korean name for (Chinese: , Japanese: ),
[ i.e., the seeds of the ''Cassia'' ('' Senna'') genus of ]leguminous
A legume () is a plant in the family Fabaceae (or Leguminosae), or the fruit or seed of such a plant. When used as a dry grain, the seed is also called a pulse. Legumes are grown agriculturally, primarily for human consumption, for livestock fo ...
plants, particularly '' S. obtusifolia'' and '' S. tora''.[
One source however identifies the ingredient as a plant related to ''Cassia nomame'',][ synonymous with '' Chamaecrista nomame''.][
]
Preparation
About of dried sicklepod seeds are roasted, and decocted in around of water.
Use
The name ''gyeolmyeongja'' means "the seed that brightens the eyes".
Similar beverages
In Japan, the ''habu-cha'' originally referred to an infusion of roasted cassia seeds brewed from ''habusÅ'' or '' S. occidentalis'', but the ''habu-cha'' now commercially sold is usually made from ''S. obtusifolia''.[
The aforementioned ''Chamaecrista nomame'' is called in Japan, and its leaves and seeds into hot beverages called or , especially in southern regions such as Kyushu.][
Cassia seed tea is consumed not only in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), but in Southeast Asia (Thailand, etc.) as well.][ In Thailand, ''S. ora'' is called ();][ the roasted seeds are used as ]diuretic
A diuretic () is any substance that promotes diuresis, the increased production of urine. This includes forced diuresis. A diuretic tablet is sometimes colloquially called a water tablet. There are several categories of diuretics. All diuretics in ...
, and the seeds or leaves as purgative
Laxatives, purgatives, or aperients are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation.
Laxatives vary as to how they work and the side effects they may have. Certain stimulant, lubri ...
.[
''Cassia tora'' seeds which are roasted and ground have been noticed as ersatz coffee in India, and ''C. occidentali'' also brewed into what used to be called "negro coffee" in Africa, South America, and the West Indies.][ The leaves have also been used for substitute coffee in India, though unflavorful.][
]
See also
* Roasted grain beverage
References
Herbal tea
Korean tea
{{Korea-cuisine-stub