Herbal & Flower Teas
Astragalus, Floating Wheat and Schisandra Berry Tea
traditionally associated with consolidating the body's surface and reducing spontaneous or night sweating due to weakness
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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Children and elderly people with constitutional weakness who sweat easily, with pale, watery perspiration
- Those experiencing both daytime spontaneous sweating and night-time sweating (night sweats)
- People who have taken a lot of medication and feel generally depleted
- Note: If you are taking Western medication, wait about 2 hours before drinking this tea
- Note: Nursing mothers should avoid floating wheat and schisandra, as they may affect milk supply — Bro Niu suggests replacing with 3 qian (11 g) of schisandra plus 1 qian (3.5 g) of liquorice root as an alternative
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus root (bei qi): One of the most widely used herbs in Chinese food therapy for tonifying vital energy (qi) and strengthening the body’s protective surface; traditionally associated with reducing spontaneous sweating in those with qi deficiency
- Floating wheat (fu xiao mai): The immature, lighter grains that float when placed in water; traditionally used to consolidate the surface and support the heart-mind; particularly associated with reducing night sweats and spontaneous perspiration
- Schisandra berries (wu wei zi): Named “five-flavour fruit” for its complex taste; traditionally associated with consolidating and collecting body fluids, including reducing perspiration; also associated with supporting the nervous system
- White atractylodes (bai zhu): Traditionally supports the spleen and stomach, strengthens vital energy, and complements astragalus in building the body’s protective capacity; may be substituted with poria (fu ling) if unavailable
Ingredients (1 day’s serving, ~2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Available at Chinese herb shops |
| Floating wheat (fu xiao mai) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Do not toast for soup; toast lightly if making tea concentrate |
| Schisandra berries (wu wei zi) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Gives a slightly sour flavour |
| White atractylodes (bai zhu) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Substitute poria if unavailable |
Method
- Rinse and briefly soak all herbs in cool water.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 5 bowls (approx. 1.2 litres) of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 2 cups.
- Divide into 2 portions and drink throughout the day.
Bro Niu’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.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Sally): My four-year-old son gets cold hands and feet after exercise, sleeps very restlessly, and wakes with a soaking wet pillow and back every night. Can he drink this tea? He is currently taking Western medicine for a cold. Bro Niu: Your son may have a somewhat fragile constitution — weak lungs and spleen — causing daytime spontaneous sweating after exertion, and night sweating from yin deficiency. This tea, 2–3 times a week until symptoms ease, would suit him well. Take it at least 2 hours after his Western medicine.
-
Q (Jasmine): This tea has a slightly sour taste. Is that normal? Is it better to drink it in the morning or at night for night sweats? Bro Niu: Yes, the schisandra berries give it a naturally sour flavour. That is part of how it works — the sour taste is associated with consolidating and collecting in Chinese medicine. For night sweats, it is best to drink it about 2 hours before bedtime.
-
Q (ManMan): My seven-year-old soaks his pillow every night, and I also get drenching night sweats every month around my period. Is this tea suitable for both of us? Bro Niu: You can both try a modified version — use black-kernel black beans (1 liang / 38 g), floating wheat (5 qian / 19 g), and red dates (5 pieces), simmered in 5 bowls of water to 2 bowls. Drink for 4–5 consecutive days and see if it improves.
Published February 18, 2013 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
