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Ethiopia · Drinks

Tena Adam Tea

10 min
0 kcal
2 servings

By eatmundo · September 8, 2026

Tena Adam Tea🇪🇹AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

3 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Tena Adam Tea. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Hot infusion62 recipes from 22 countries

A refreshing and aromatic herbal tea made from Rue (Tena Adam) leaves. Often consumed for its digestive benefits, this tea has a sharp, slightly bitter, and highly distinct flavor.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Tena Adam Tea from another cuisine is Ginger Brown Sugar Tea (China): the two share 50% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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2 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Wearing gloves, rinse 1 small sprig (2 g) of fresh Tena Adam (rue) under cold running water. The sap of fresh rue can cause burns on skin exposed to sunlight, so avoid touching it with bare hands.

  • 2

    Boil 500 ml of fresh water in a small pot.

  • 3

    Add the rinsed rue sprig to the boiling water.

  • 4

    Stir in 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to add depth to the brew.

  • 5

    Remove the pot from heat and allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes.

  • 6

    Strain the liquid into cups and serve warm. Avoid over-steeping to keep the bitterness to a minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tena Adam Tea?

Tena Adam tea is a traditional Ethiopian herbal infusion made from Rue leaves (Ruta graveolens). It is historically used in Ethiopia to promote digestion and overall well-being.

What does 'Tena Adam' mean?

The name translates literally to 'Health of Adam', reflecting its longstanding reputation as a medicinal herb in local culture.

Can I use dried leaves?

Fresh leaves are preferred for the best aroma, but dried rue can be used; because it is very potent, use only a small pinch (0.5 g) in place of the fresh sprig.

Why is it slightly bitter?

Rue leaves contain natural compounds that give it a sharp, pungent bitterness, which is characteristic of this specific herbal tea.

Is it safe to consume?

Rue is toxic in larger amounts and can cause stomach upset, liver and kidney damage and sensitivity to sunlight, so use only one small sprig and drink this tea occasionally. Pregnant women must avoid it completely, because rue can cause miscarriage. Breastfeeding women and anyone with liver or kidney problems should also avoid it.

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