Che Dong (Forest Tea) is an ecological product produced in a traditional way by the Tay and San Chi Healers Group of Dong Thang commune, Dinh Lap district, Lang Son province. This Tea is made up of a combination of the Voi (Cleistocalyx operculatus ‘Roxband’) and Che rung (Camellia chrysantha) plants. It’s a popular tea in the area, consumed on a daily basis by local people.
Che Dong bush
Voi grows alongside mountain streams in the commune. The tree’s leaves and buds are used in the tea. Voi is considered good for the digestive system and liver, and used as a remedy for diabetes. Che rung is a forest tree with a reputation for curative powers. It’s an economically valuable species, with a relatively high price paid for its leaves. Che rung is considered good for blood pressure regulation, diabetes treatment, and as an anti-inflamatory.
Dong Thang healers have always prepared this tea in the same way. In the early morning they search for fresh and healthy plants, carefully selecting the best buds and leaves. Going out early ensures quality and strength. The leaves and buds are then washed and left to dry in the sun before packing.
Villagers are collecting Che Dong
The production of this Che Dong has been supported by the Dong Thang local government and local people from the beginning. The Dong Thang Peoples Committee’s departments and Dinh Lap Public Relation Committee’s departments have also committed to using this product in the long term.
At present, Che Dong is being distributed to local government offices as well as to individuals and organisations on a monthly basis.
Each bag of Che Dong costs 25,000 Vnd. Sales revenue is distributed by the healers in the following way:
-
10% for Forest Protection Fund;
-
10% for Fund for Protection and Development of plants (Voi and Che rung);
-
10% for management fees;
-
70% to the healers gathering and processing the tea.
Drinking Che Dong is not only good for your health but contributes to supporting Dong Thang’s healers in forest protection in general and herbal medicine plants’ protection in particular.
CIRUM
Che Dong bushVoi grows alongside mountain streams in the commune. The tree’s leaves and buds are used in the tea. Voi is considered good for the digestive system and liver, and used as a remedy for diabetes. Che rung is a forest tree with a reputation for curative powers. It’s an economically valuable species, with a relatively high price paid for its leaves. Che rung is considered good for blood pressure regulation, diabetes treatment, and as an anti-inflamatory.
Villagers are collecting Che Dong
