Astragalus, Floating Wheat and Schisandra Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

When the body is weakened — whether after prolonged illness, heavy medication, or simply from a fragile constitution — it can lose its ability to regulate perspiration properly. You might see children drenching their pillows at night, or elderly people sweating freely even in cool weather without doing anything strenuous. In traditional Chinese food therapy, this is understood as the body’s protective “surface energy” (wei qi) being too weak to hold fluids in. This four-herb brew is a time-tested approach to supporting that surface energy and gently reducing this kind of weakness-related sweating. It is neither heating nor drying, so it is considered suitable for most people in this situation, young or old.

Method

1. Rinse and briefly soak all herbs in cool water.
2. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 1.5 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 2 cups.
4. Divide into 2 portions and drink throughout the day.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is mild, neither heating nor drying. It is suitable for almost anyone with weakness-related sweating, regardless of age. If the sweating improves after 3–5 servings, you can reduce to 1–2 times per week as a maintenance dose. If there is no improvement after a full course, it is worth consulting a Chinese medicine practitioner. For those using a thermos flask to steep rather than boiling, use less water (about 1 cup’s worth) and steep for 30 minutes.