American Ginseng and Dendrobium Flower Tea

Why people make this tea

In autumn and winter, many people — especially children, older adults, night owls, and women going through menopause — develop what Chinese food-therapy tradition calls “deficiency heat”: a dryness and inner warmth that comes not from excess but from a lack of nourishing fluids. Symptoms can include a scratchy throat, warm palms, restless sleep, or tired, dry eyes after long hours of screen time. Rather than reaching for cooling herbs that could further weaken the system, the traditional approach is to replenish what is missing. This gentle tea, using only two ingredients, is one of the quieter, more everyday ways to do that.

Method

1. Place American ginseng slices and dendrobium flower in a teapot or heatproof cup.
2. Pour in freshly boiled water. Steep for 7 minutes.
3. Pour and drink. Refill with hot water and continue steeping until the liquid runs clear and flavourless.

Nourilo’s Tips

Dendrobium flower is sold at herbal tea shops rather than standard pharmacies — if you cannot find it, gong ju, tai ju, or hang ju chrysanthemum works as a substitute. For those who want a bit more support, Nourilo has suggested adding a small amount of Prince’s ginseng (tai zi shen, simmered for 20 minutes before adding the other two ingredients) if energy feels particularly low. On its own, this tea is mild enough to drink daily for a week to see whether it makes a difference, after which you can adjust or rotate to a different tea.