Herbal & Flower Teas
Astragalus, Ophiopogon and Licorice Tea
traditionally associated with supporting immune resilience and reducing recurrent colds in both adults and children
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.
Bro Niu 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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults and children who catch colds frequently, especially those who also experience a dry mouth and throat
- Those with noticeable dampness symptoms — feeling bloated in the chest or abdomen, poor digestion, heavy tongue coating — should avoid this tea, as astragalus and licorice may worsen that pattern
- Licorice should not be taken in large amounts (over 2 qian / ~8 g per day) or for extended continuous periods, as it can affect heart function and may cause fluid retention
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi): One of the most studied tonic herbs in Chinese medicine; traditionally considered to strengthen the body’s wei qi (defensive energy), boost vitality, and support the immune system. Research has explored its potential immunomodulatory effects.
- Ophiopogon root (mai dong): A gentle moistening herb traditionally used to nourish lung yin, relieve dry throat, and ease a dry tickling cough — particularly useful for those who feel parched alongside their immune weakness.
- Licorice root (gan cao): Acts as a harmonising agent in formulas; traditionally said to enter all twelve meridians. Has a natural sweetness, traditionally associated with tonifying the spleen, relieving urgency, and helping the body process and neutralise toxins.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi) | ~18 g (5 qian) | Rinse before use; sliced form brews faster |
| Ophiopogon root (mai dong) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Rinse before use |
| Licorice root (gan cao) | ~4 g (1 qian) | Use raw (sheng) licorice, not honey-prepared |
Method
- Briefly rinse all three ingredients.
- Combine in a pot with 4 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes until reduced to about 2 bowls.
- Drink as a tea, 2–3 times per week. Safe for the whole family in these amounts.
Bro Niu’s tips
Do not use licorice in amounts exceeding about 2 qian (~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, Bro Niu 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.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (chan): I have heard that licorice should never be used in amounts more than 3 qian at a time, otherwise it causes problems — is that correct? Bro Niu: Licorice can harmonise all herbs and enters all twelve meridians, but using too much over time is not good for the heart. Keeping it to 2 qian or less per serving is the right approach, and it should not be used every day long-term.
-
Q (芳粉): My husband has had a heart attack. He has a runny nose and lots of phlegm. Is this tea suitable for him? Bro Niu: Astragalus is a bidirectional herb — in large doses it lowers blood pressure, and in small doses it can raise it. For someone with a heart condition, using 8 qian to 1 liang (about 30–37 g) of astragalus is fine. You can still drink this tea.
-
Q (Ivy): I have a notched tongue edge, feel bloated after eating for hours, and catch colds easily. Does the “dampness and fullness” warning apply to me? Is this tea right for me? Bro Niu: Yes, what you describe does sound like damp-type bloating and weak digestion. I would suggest picking up a bottle of Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan from a Chinese herbal pharmacy to address the digestion issue first. Once that improves, this tea may be more suitable.
Published January 3, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
