American Ginseng, Tienchi Ginseng and Goji Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

Tienchi ginseng (tian qi, also written as san qi) is one of the most celebrated herbs in Chinese medical history. Long used to stop bleeding and move blood in trauma medicine, it is now also well-studied for its cardiovascular effects — research has noted its potential to reduce blood lipids, lower blood pressure, increase coronary blood flow, and support the heart’s own blood supply. Combined with American ginseng (which is considered a cooler, heart-qi-supporting tonic), goji berries (for liver, kidney, and immune support), and a few slices of ginger (to keep things moving and warm), this simple quick-brewed tea is Nourilo’s recommendation as a maintenance drink for people in their middle years and beyond who are looking to support their cardiovascular wellness.

Method

1. Place all ingredients in a small pot with about 600 ml of water.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
3. Pour and drink while warm.
4. The ingredients can be added to a vacuum flask with boiling water for subsequent steeping throughout the day.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea can be used in a vacuum flask, adding boiling water multiple times for a gentler brew throughout the day — making it practical for middle-aged and older adults as a daily maintenance drink. Tienchi ginseng is quite hard and is best purchased pre-sliced from the herbal medicine shop. If you have already ground tienchi into powder, you can prepare the rest of the tea and then stir in the powder at the end. When cooking for a family of five, Nourilo suggests using about 15 grams of each ingredient (not multiplying per person). Important: Anyone taking warfarin (blood-thinning medication) must not use this tea.