Astragalus, Codonopsis, Longan and Goji Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

Summer heat makes us sweat — that is normal. But when you find yourself drenched in perspiration even without activity, that is what traditional Chinese medicine calls “spontaneous sweating from qi deficiency” (qi xu zi han). It is a sign that the body’s protective energy is not holding firm. Astragalus (bei qi or huang qi) is one of the most valued tonic herbs in this tradition precisely because of its association with strengthening defensive qi, firming up the body’s boundaries, and consolidating sweat. Paired with codonopsis (dang shen) — which supports the spleen and stomach and helps the body make the most of what it consumes — this combination has been used for generations as a restorative pick-me-up. Longan flesh adds sweetness and is associated with calming the mind and nourishing blood; goji berries round it out with their liver- and kidney-supporting properties. The result is a pleasant, mildly sweet tea that steeps easily and can be refilled several times through the day.