Yi Zhi Ren and Yuan Zhi Herbal Tea

Why people make this tea

Bro Niu recalls that when he was studying Chinese herbal medicine, the sheer number of names and synonyms for each herb made memory itself a challenge — and it was partly through drinking preparations like this one that he kept his mind sharp through those years of study. Today he recommends this simple two-herb tea most often to older adults noticing the early signs of age-related cognitive change, and to students who want to support concentration during exam periods.

Yi zhi ren (alpinia fruit) and yuan zhi (polygala root) are a classic pairing in Chinese medicine. Together they are traditionally understood to support the communication between the heart and kidney systems — which in Chinese medical thinking governs memory, sleep quality, and mental stability. The tea has a distinct, aromatic quality that some find pleasant and others find strong; adding longan flesh softens the flavour considerably.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Well suited to older adults experiencing mild memory lapses, restless sleep, or nighttime urination
• Suitable for middle-aged adults as a general brain-support drink
• Also useful for students during intense study or exam periods
• Those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol can take this tea safely
• Children under school age should not use medicinal herb preparations — food-based brain foods such as walnuts, longan, black sesame, goji berries, and oyster-dried products are more appropriate
• Those with kidney disease or complex chronic conditions should discuss use with a doctor first
• Pregnant women: yuan zhi is generally considered safe, but consult a practitioner before regular use

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Yi zhi ren (Alpinia oxyphylla, alpinia fruit): In Chinese medicine, associated with warming and supporting the kidney system, improving mental focus, calming the spirit, and reducing excessive urination. One of the classic herbs for brain and kidney support in elder care.
• Yuan zhi (Polygala tenuifolia, polygala root): Traditionally used to calm the spirit, open the heart orifices, benefit memory, and resolve phlegm that clouds the mind. A classic inclusion in formulas for cognitive support and emotional stability.

Ingredients (1–2 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Yi zhi ren (alpinia fruit)	5 g	Lightly crush before brewing for better extraction
Yuan zhi (polygala root)	5 g	Available at Chinese herb shops
Water	About 2–3 cups	Enough for a pot
Longan flesh (optional)	8–10 pieces	Adds sweetness and enhances the brain-nourishing effect
Red dates / nan zao (optional)	5 pieces	Adds sweetness; also tonifying

Method

1. Lightly crush the yi zhi ren before using — this helps release its flavour and active compounds more effectively.
2. Place both herbs (and optional longan or dates) into a small pot with 2–3 cups of water.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Alternatively, place in a teapot, pour on boiling water, cover, and steep for 15 minutes.
4. Strain and drink warm. The tea can be re-steeped once with fresh water. One day’s supply is approximately 2 cups.
5. For sustained support, take 3–4 times per week rather than daily — give the body time to respond naturally.

Bro Niu’s tips

This tea has a noticeable herbal aroma — some people find it pleasant, others find it a little sharp or unfamiliar. Adding 8 longan pieces to the pot transforms the experience: longan has its own mild brain-nourishing quality and brings a natural sweetness that makes the tea very easy to drink. Nan zao (southern dates) is another good addition for sweetness and gentle tonifying effect.

For a four-person family dose, scale up to 15 g of each herb with 1,500 mL of water and simmer for 30 minutes. Adding the optional herbs (longan, nan zao) can be done freely according to taste.

Also consider incorporating brain-nourishing foods into your daily diet: walnuts, golden needle mushroom (jin zhen gu), black sesame, black beans, goji berries, dried oyster, longan, and egg-based dishes are all traditionally valued for supporting brain function and can complement this tea.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (scy): Can yuan zhi, yi zhi ren, and jin jin cao (spreading clubmoss, shen jin cao) be brewed together? And can the combination be taken by elderly parents with high blood pressure and high cholesterol? Bro Niu: Yes, shen jin cao (spreading clubmoss) can be added to this combination. For elderly parents with high blood pressure and cholesterol, the combination is fine to take. For a four-person serving, use 15 g of each herb with 1,500 mL of water, simmering for 30 minutes.

• Q (Becky): My mother is showing early signs of cognitive decline. A friend suggested yuan zhi, yi zhi ren, and spreading clubmoss daily for a month. Is this correct? She has kidney failure and pemphigus. Bro Niu: The brain-support tea can be taken for a month without concern. However, given your mother’s kidney failure and pemphigus, many tonifying herbs that would otherwise be considered are not appropriate for her — I strongly recommend she be seen by a TCM practitioner who can assess the full picture and prescribe accordingly. Broad beans and other legumes are brain-beneficial foods that are generally safe for anyone.

• Q (Joan Tang, from New York): I have poor sleep and poor memory. Can I drink this tea every day? Are there any side effects? Bro Niu: This tea can be taken for an extended period until symptoms improve. I suggest taking it 4–5 days per week and resting on the remaining days — allowing the body to work on its own on those days rather than relying on the herbs continually.

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Published May 25, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.