Charred Garlic Tea for Tummy Distress

Here’s an effective Chinese kitchen remedy for a queasy stomach: charred garlic tea. It may sound strange, but its flavor is surprisingly mild and pleasant and, most important, it quells gas, diarrhea and a stomach ache. Regular (uncharred) garlic tea brings support to the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates one’s innate energy. But when the garlic is charred, it detoxifies and absorbs gas as well.

Just as activated charcoal in a water filter or air filter captures and binds toxins, so a carbonized garlic clove captures and binds whatever you just ate that you wish you hadn’t. Alternatively, you could take a charcoal supplement. But unlike popping a capsule, charred garlic tea is soothing and medicinal. For persistent diarrhea, see Chronic Diarrhea.

Thanks to my friend Hana Chan for sharing this effective folk remedy.

1 clove garlic, unpeeled
2 cups water
Pinch salt

Spear a garlic clove with a fork or metal skewer. To char it, suspend it an inch above the flame of a gas range, or place the garlic on a hot grill pan. Turn as necessary to uniformly blacken the surface and char for about 4 minutes,or until the clove is noticeably reduced in size and becomes hard to the touch.

Pour the water into a small pot. Place the charred garlic clove in the water, add the salt, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 12 minutes, until the water is reduced by half. Strain and discard the garlic; consider any specs of charred garlic skin not captured by the strainer a charcoal bonus. Drink warm.