Dây tea is considered a precious herb with healing properties in Eastern medicine. It plays a crucial role in preventing and aiding the treatment of stomach pain, helping patients with gastric ulcers heal faster and easing the pain caused by inflammation of the stomach lining...
So, what exactly is Dây tea? How can you recognize it? Let's explore with PasGo.
1/ What is Dây tea? How to recognize fresh and dried Dây tea.
What is Dây tea?
Dây tea, also known as vine tea, white vine, thau rả (in Nung), khau rả (in Tày), and scientifically named Ampelopsis cantoniensis. Dây tea is a dicotyledonous plant in the Grape family, thriving in temperate climates and often found wild in high mountainous regions. In Vietnam, Dây tea is abundant in Cao Bang, Son La, SaPa (Lao Cai), Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, and more.

Dây tea is highly effective in treating stomach pain.
Recognizing fresh Dây tea: A distinctive guide.
Dây tea is a type of climbing plant. The plant usually stays under 1m in height, but its vines can extend up to 2 – 3m, often wrapping around other trees. Dây tea leaves resemble those of the kinh gioi plant but with a purple edge. The leaf margins are serrated, the surface is smooth, and the upper side has a deep green hue. Young Dây tea leaves exhibit a reddish tint, turning greener with age.

This tea is a climbing plant with serrated leaves.
The leaves measure approximately 7 – 10 cm in length. The flowers bear a resemblance to ginseng flowers but with white petals, forming clusters. Dây tea blossoms in June and July, bearing fruit in September. The small red fruits resemble berries.
Identifying dried Dây tea: A distinctive guide.
The easiest way to identify Dây tea is by examining the color of the dried leaves. Freshly dried Dây tea has a white hue, resembling mold on the surface due to the resin released during processing. Folk wisdom and scientists suggest that the whiter the tea leaves, the more resin, and the better the quality. Additionally, the leaves and stems, after drying, appear similar to other types of leaves.
Note: Moldy tea exhibits a foul odor, appears dark green, and lacks a fragrant aroma when consumed. High-quality Dây tea has a slightly sweet taste, offering a delightful drinking experience.

Delicious Dây tea often has a white color that closely resembles mold.
2/ What are the benefits of wild Dây tea?
According to the state-level scientific research by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Nam, Dây tea is an herbal remedy remarkably effective for various stomach ailments. Based on findings from Bach Mai Hospital, Traditional Medicine Hospital, and E Hospital, Dây tea offers the following benefits:
- Eradicates and cleanses Helicobacter Pylori bacteria (commonly known as HP bacteria). Notably, children over 5 years old can use Dây tea to treat stomach pain caused by HP infection through diet.
- Alleviates pain and inflammation: Dây tea effectively reduces pain by neutralizing acidity and promotes the healing of ulcers. Typically, after using Dây tea, pain decreases in about 8 – 9 days.
- Cools and calms: Dây tea contains flavonoids with detoxifying and calming effects on the liver. Patients experience better sleep and can undergo treatment with peace of mind, free from complications.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Nam emphasizes the excellent efficacy of this tea in stomach treatment.
Furthermore, Dây tea contains flavonoids and tannins with the following effects:
- Gradually lowers blood pressure without sudden drops.
- Supports the treatment of insomnia, difficulty sleeping, and midnight awakenings.
- Treats various skin conditions such as pimples, inflammation, itching, especially heat rash caused by internal heat.
3/ Effective method to brew Dây tea for treating stomach pain without side effects.
For individuals suffering from stomach pain, consuming this tea for about 8 – 9 days can significantly alleviate the pain, while for others, it may take longer, around 10 – 20 days, to see results. How to use Dây tea for treating stomach pain depends on various factors related to the patient's condition during the treatment process. There are two methods for using Dây tea to treat stomach pain:
Brewing Dây tea with hot water.
If your Dây tea primarily consists of leaves and tea buds, you can use the hot water brewing method. Take about 20 – 30 grams of Dây tea, steep it in 1.5 liters of boiling water, and let it infuse for approximately 5 – 7 minutes before consumption.

Steep your leaves, and the delicious tea is ready in about 5 – 7 minutes.
Method for brewing Dây tea infusion.
This method applies to Dây tea varieties mainly composed of stems and roots. Take about 50 grams of dried Dây tea, steep it in 2 liters of water. Steep until the water reduces to around 0.8 – 1 liter, then consume gradually.
Note: It is advisable to consume Dây tea only during the day and maintain consistent daily intake.

For Dây tea with many stems and roots, you should opt for the infusion method.
4/ Important precautions when drinking Dây tea to avoid herbal toxicity.
- Avoid drinking Dây tea on an empty stomach.
- It is advisable to use a clay pot or a specialized tea brewing pot for preparing Dây tea. Using aluminum, iron, stainless steel, etc., may diminish the effectiveness of Dây tea.
- Consult with a doctor before incorporating Dây tea into stomach pain treatment.
- Adhere strictly to the doctor's recommendations for dietary restrictions.
- Avoid exceeding the recommended dosage of Dây tea.
- Purchase Dây tea from reputable sources.
5/ Where to buy Dây tea for stomach pain relief? Is Dây tea expensive?
Where is the best place to buy Dây tea for stomach pain relief?
Currently, Cao Bang Dây tea and Sapa Dây tea are quite popular. Before purchasing, seek recommendations from friends, family, or those who have bought Dây tea to find reliable sellers. If you have the opportunity to travel to the Northwestern mountainous regions, you can buy Cao Bang Dây tea and Sapa Dây tea directly from there. If these options are not feasible, consider purchasing dried Dây tea from reputable traditional Chinese medicine stores.
Store the tea in a cool place.
Are Cao Bang Dây tea and Sapa Dây tea expensive?
The price of Dây tea in Sapa (Lao Cai) or in Cao Bang province typically ranges around 100,000 VND/kg. In Hanoi and other provinces, Dây tea usually costs between 150,000 – 200,000 VND/kg.
These were insights into what Dây tea is, how to use it for treating stomach pain. Hopefully, it will be helpful in your treatment journey. Like and comment if you find this article useful.
Don't forget to follow the PasGo Blog – Regional Specialties page to discover more fascinating aspects of Vietnamese cuisine.
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