Herbal & Flower Teas
Astragalus, Goji Berry and Red Date Tea
traditionally associated with strengthening immune defences and supporting qi and blood — a simple preventive tea during flu season
Why people make this tea
During a serious flu season, prevention is the most sensible strategy. Bro Niu 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.
Bro Niu 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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for the whole family including children (half a bowl for young children) and pregnant women
- Not suitable during active fever — wait until the fever resolves before using this tea; it can then help with recovery and prevent recurrence
- Those who already have a cold but no fever can drink this tea
- Those with dampness-type digestive complaints (bloating, poor appetite, heavy tongue coating) should add a piece of tangerine peel to moderate the effect
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi): The cornerstone immune tonic of Chinese medicine; traditionally associated with strengthening the body’s wei qi (defensive qi), which is conceptually analogous to a first-line immune barrier. Modern research has explored polysaccharides and saponins in astragalus for their immunomodulatory effects.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Rich in carotenoids, polysaccharides, and betaine; traditionally associated with nourishing liver yin and kidney yin, brightening the eyes, and tonifying blood. Black goji berries can also be used here — they contain anthocyanins and may offer similar or even enhanced effects.
- Red dates (hong zao): Traditionally associated with nourishing blood, calming the mind, supporting the spleen, and harmonising other herbs in a formula. Red dates make this tea naturally sweet and pleasant without any added sugar.
Ingredients (2 bowls — 1 serving)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi) — sliced | ~15 g (4 qian) | Sliced discs preferred; rinse before use |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | ~8 g (2 qian) | Rinse briefly |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 pieces | Pitted; rinse briefly |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients briefly.
- Combine in a pot with 4 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until reduced to about 2 bowls.
- Drink warm. This is a 1-person serving; scale up for the whole family.
- Suitable 2–3 times per week.
Bro Niu’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.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (文): If I put the ingredients in a thermos flask with boiling water the night before, can I drink it the next morning on an empty stomach? Bro Niu: That should work fine — just make sure to use fully boiling water to steep the herbs overnight in the flask.
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Q (匿名访客): If I use black goji berries instead of red ones, will it change the effect of the tea? Are black goji berries more drying (warming)? Bro Niu: You can substitute black goji berries and the effect may be even better, as they are very high in anthocyanins. Black goji berries are not particularly drying or warming.
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Q (Simon): My wife is 26 weeks pregnant — can she drink this tea? Bro Niu: Yes, pregnant women can drink this tea.
Published January 26, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
