Astragalus, Goji and Buckwheat Tea (Bei Qi Gou Qi Qiao Mai Cha)

Why people make this tea

This is a simple, no-fuss daily tea that Bro Niu recommends as a gentle complement to regular wellness routines — and in particular for people who are in active cancer treatment or recovering from illness. The three ingredients are all considered mild and balanced in Chinese food therapy: neither too warming nor too cooling, which makes this tea appropriate for daily use without seasonal adjustment. Buckwheat is toasted in a dry pan to reduce its slightly cold nature; astragalus is also briefly toasted to bring out a gentle warmth. Together with goji berries for nourishment, the resulting tea is pleasantly nutty in flavour and straightforward to prepare.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most people as a general wellness tea; the whole family can drink it.
• Particularly associated with supporting those undergoing cancer treatment or in recovery, as the ingredients collectively are traditionally used to support the body’s defences.
• Those with a cold constitution can add 6 red dates to the blend to provide additional warmth and balance.
• This tea is mild enough for regular, long-term consumption.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi): One of the most studied herbs in Chinese medicine; traditionally classified as a major qi tonic. Research suggests it contains polysaccharides that may modulate immune function. Toasting it briefly (in a dry wok) makes it slightly more warming.
• Buckwheat (qiao mai): Rich in rutin, a plant compound associated with supporting healthy blood vessels and blood sugar levels; in traditional Chinese thinking, buckwheat is used to clear heat and toxins, support the digestive system, and promote healthy circulation. Toasting reduces its cool nature.
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): Traditionally used to nourish the liver and kidneys, support the eyes, and replenish blood and essence. They add a mild sweetness to the tea.

Ingredients (1 pot / 2–3 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Astragalus root slices (bei qi)	5 slices	Lightly toasted in a dry pan for 5 min
Buckwheat seeds	2 tablespoons	Lightly toasted in a dry pan for 5 min
Goji berries	1 tablespoon

Method

1. Toast the buckwheat and astragalus slices separately in a dry wok or pan over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes each, stirring constantly, until lightly fragrant. Allow to cool, then store in an airtight glass jar for daily use.
2. Place the toasted astragalus slices, toasted buckwheat, and goji berries in a teapot.
3. Pour in a small amount of boiling water to rinse the ingredients; discard.
4. Pour in fresh boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes before drinking.
5. The tea can be re-steeped until the flavour fades.

Bro Niu’s tips

Toasting the buckwheat and astragalus in advance — just 5 minutes in a dry wok — means you can keep a batch ready in a glass jar and prepare the tea quickly each day. This tea is gentle and balanced, which means it is suitable year-round and for people of most constitutions. If you have a colder constitution, add 6 red dates (pitted and sliced) for extra warmth.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Sarah): My mother has lung cancer and recently recovered from pneumonia. She still has a cough and occasionally blood-tinged phlegm. Can she drink this tea? Bro Niu: If she is not running a fever, she can drink this tea. I would suggest also adding 10 g each of Sha Shen (adenophora root) and Mai Dong (ophiopogon root) to the brew — these herbs specifically support lung moisture and may help where there is blood in phlegm. She should continue to follow her doctor’s advice for her cancer treatment.

• Q (婷): What is the difference between raw and toasted astragalus? Bro Niu: Toasted astragalus is slightly more warming in nature, which suits this tea well.

• Q (reader): Buckwheat is said to be cooling in nature — is this suitable for someone with a cold constitution? Bro Niu: Toasting the buckwheat in a dry pan reduces its cooling nature considerably. You can also add 6 red dates to the blend for extra balance — that combination works well for people who tend to feel the cold.

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Published January 14, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.