Neolitsea hiiranensis

Neolitsea hiiranensis is a member of the Lauraceae native to Taiwan and nearby islands, best known in ethnobotanical literature for its aromatic leaves. In Taiwanese aboriginal communities such as the Bunun and Paiwan, leaves have been infused in hot water as a simple tea taken for stomach discomfort and to freshen breath after meals (Kuo & Tsai, 1995). Similar infusions have been prepared among Han Chinese communities in southern Taiwan for colds and sore throats, where a handful of fresh leaves is steeped briefly in hot water (Lin et al., 1998). On Orchid Island (Lanyu), the Tao (Yami) harvest young leaves for infusions and also simmer them in water as decoctions used to wash wounds and bruises or as a tonic during convalescence (Chen et al., 2002). Ethnographies from northeast India note that some Neolitsea taxa—specifically Neolitsea umbrosa—are drunk as teas to aid digestion or as poultices of crushed leaves applied to headaches (Rao & Singh, 2014).

A practical tea preparation for Neolitsea hiiranensis uses 4–6 fresh leaves per 250 mL of near-boiling water. Simmer a small pot of water to a gentle boil, remove from heat, add the torn leaves, cover, and steep 5–10 minutes. Strain and drink up to two cups daily, optionally sweetening to taste. For a soothing sore-throat tea, mix the hot infusion with a teaspoon of honey and a splash of lemon juice before drinking. Safety notes: avoid use in pregnancy; do not use in children under 12; and discontinue if irritation or heartburn occurs. If you have liver disease or are taking sedatives, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Well-established phytochemicals reported for Neolitsea hiiranensis include 1,8-cineole and linalool as major constituents of the leaf essential oil, with smaller amounts of sabinene and alpha-terpineol (Chou et al., 2006). These compounds plausibly explain the gentle carminative and antimicrobial actions reported in traditional infusions and decoctions. Limited modern work suggests modest antioxidant activity in extracts, likely tied to the oil fraction rather than non-volatile phenolics (Lin et al., 2010).

Although research remains limited, these documented practices continue in rural Taiwan, and Neolitsea hiiranensis leaf extracts are sold as botanical teas and functional beverages by small local producers. Several commercial teas marketed as “Taiwan laurel leaf tea” blend Neolitsea species, with select brands now offering single-origin products (Taiwan Tea Research & Extension Station, 2020).

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