Astragalus Goji Ophiopogon Tea

Why people make this tea

There is a familiar saying in Chinese: young people cannot wake up, old people cannot fall asleep. Yet the reverse — older adults who become excessively sleepy during the day — is also common, and the causes can be varied. Some relate to circulation, some to medication side effects, some to thyroid or mood-related conditions, and some simply to the natural decline in vital energy (qi) and nourishment of the liver and kidneys that traditional Chinese medicine associates with ageing. Bro Niu’s first recommendation is always to see a doctor when a new pattern of daytime sleepiness appears in an older person. But for those whose sleepiness appears related to general age-related decline — dizziness, ringing in the ears, thirst, low energy — this simple daily tea is a practical and well-regarded food-therapy support.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Well suited to older adults experiencing low energy, mild dizziness, tinnitus, excessive thirst, or unexplained daytime drowsiness related to declining constitution.
• Healthy adults and younger people can also drink it to support general vitality and build a stronger constitution.
• Traditionally associated with supporting blood sugar balance and protecting nerve cells.
• Drink 3–4 times per week; continue until symptoms improve.
• For those who prefer a cooked version rather than steeping: Bro Niu says you can simmer the three ingredients in 3 bowls of water for 7–8 minutes.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Astragalus (bei qi / huang qi): One of the most important tonic herbs in Chinese food therapy. Traditionally used to strengthen the body’s protective energy (wei qi), support the immune system, and improve overall vitality. Modern research has looked at its polysaccharides for immune-modulating properties. Bro Niu notes it has a bidirectional effect on blood pressure — moderate amounts (around 5 qian) are associated with lowering blood pressure, while smaller amounts support it; thus it suits most people.
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): Beloved in both Chinese food culture and now internationally recognised for their antioxidant content (zeaxanthin, betaine). Traditionally considered to nourish the liver and kidneys, support vision, and calm the mind.
• Ophiopogon (mai dong): A cooling, moistening herb that nourishes yin fluids — the inner moisture of the body. Traditionally used to support heart and lung function, ease thirst and dryness, and protect nerve tissue. It pairs with astragalus to provide both warming energy and cooling moisture.

Ingredients (1–2 cups, refillable)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Astragalus slices (bei qi / huang qi)	1 tablespoon	Pre-cut slices are easier; whole root: 2 pieces snipped short
Goji berries (gou qi zi)	1 tablespoon
Ophiopogon tubers (mai dong)	1 tablespoon

Method

1. Place all three ingredients in a teapot or large mug.
2. Pour in a little boiling water, rinse briefly, and discard the first water.
3. Add fresh boiling water and steep for 10 minutes before drinking.
4. Refill with hot water and continue steeping until the flavour is spent.
5. Alternatively: simmer the ingredients in 3 bowls of water for 7–8 minutes, then pour and drink.
6. Drink 3–4 times per week as a health-maintenance tea.

Bro Niu’s tips

Pre-cut astragalus slices are easiest for steeping. If you only have whole astragalus root, use 2 pieces, cut or snip them shorter so they release more flavour. This tea is also traditionally associated with supporting blood sugar regulation — making it a practical daily drink for those managing or seeking to prevent diabetes. The three ingredients together create a mild, pleasant flavour that is easy to maintain as a daily habit.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Bobby): Bro Niu, can this be simmered rather than just steeped? How long and what amounts? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use 3 bowls of water and simmer for 7–8 minutes. That gives one person’s serving.

• Q (Bobby): I only have whole astragalus root, not sliced. How much should I use? Bro Niu: Use 2 whole pieces of astragalus. For steeping, snip or cut them shorter so the flavour comes out properly.

• Q (June): Bro Niu, my 13-year-old daughter has restless sleep, wakes easily, finds it hard to fall asleep, and has many dreams. What can she drink? Bro Niu: You can try wheat grain (xiao mai mi) 1 liang, honey-fried licorice (zhi gan cao) 2 qian, poria spirit (fu shen) 5 qian, lily bulb (bai he) 1 liang, longan flesh (yuan rou) 3 qian, and red dates 6 pieces — 8 bowls of water simmered to 4, divided over two days; repeat 2–3 times and see if it improves.

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Published June 20, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.