Astragalus, Ophiopogon and Licorice Tea

Why people make this tea

Some people seem to catch every cold that passes through the office. In traditional Chinese food therapy, this is often seen as a sign of weakened defensive energy — the body is not mounting a strong enough barrier against external pathogens. This three-ingredient tea has been used for generations to address exactly that pattern: astragalus to build and strengthen the body’s protective qi, ophiopogon to moisten and nourish the lungs, and a small amount of licorice to harmonise the combination and add a gentle sweetness. Together they make a pleasant, easy-to-drink tea that the whole family can enjoy a few times a week during the cold season.

Nourilo also shares a personal story about licorice’s remarkable detoxifying qualities — his sister once accidentally ate a potato with a green skin and developed symptoms of poisoning (hand tremors, nausea, numbness of the lips). He immediately had her drink mung bean and licorice water, and her symptoms cleared quickly. While that was a mild case and a more serious situation would require emergency care, it illustrates why licorice has long held a special place in Chinese herbal tradition.

Method

1. Briefly rinse all three ingredients.
2. Combine in a pot with 1.2 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes until reduced to about 600 ml.
4. Drink as a tea, 2–3 times per week. Safe for the whole family in these amounts.

Nourilo’s Tips

Do not use licorice in amounts exceeding about 8 g (8 g) per day, and avoid continuous long-term use — it can affect the heart and may cause mild water retention over time. For people with diabetes who want a sweetener in this tea, Nourilo suggests using medjool dates (coconut dates) as a substitute for honey dates — they have a similar pleasant sweetness but are made from natural fruit sugars that do not spike blood sugar the same way.