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.