Astragalus, Goji Berry and Red Date Tea

Why people make this tea

During a serious flu season, prevention is the most sensible strategy. Nourilo shares this simple three-ingredient tea as a practical step alongside the basics: good hand hygiene, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and a calm mindset. The three ingredients are among the most studied tonic herbs in Chinese food therapy, and each plays a specific role in supporting the body’s natural defences.

Traditional Chinese medicine holds that every person has immune cells — the question is how active and effective those cells are. People who are chronically stressed, sleep-deprived, eat poorly, or smoke and drink excessively will typically have suppressed immune function and become ill more easily. This tea is designed to address the underlying qi and blood deficiency that leaves the body open to seasonal infections, not to fight infection once it has taken hold.

Nourilo notes that sliced astragalus root (the kind cut into thin cross-sections) works best for a quick tea like this, as the flat slices release their flavour more efficiently than the long stick-style root.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients briefly.
2. Combine in a pot with 1.2 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until reduced to about 600 ml.
4. Drink warm. This is a 1-person serving; scale up for the whole family.
5. Suitable 2–3 times per week.

Nourilo’s Tips

If using the long stick-style astragalus root rather than the sliced disc form, cut or snip it into shorter pieces first — this helps release the flavour more effectively in the shorter cooking time. This tea can also be made in a thermos flask: add boiling water to the ingredients, seal, and leave overnight; drink the next morning. The leftover herbs can be strained out and stored separately before reheating.