Prepared Rehmannia, Polygonatum and Goji Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

That dry, slightly bitter taste in the mouth — especially noticeable in the evenings — is something many busy, overworked people recognise. It can come from too many late nights, too much tobacco or alcohol, or simply running the body on empty for too long. Beyond lifestyle factors, it can also relate to oral health issues such as gum inflammation or a shortage of vitamin B2 (found in foods like animal liver, fish, seaweed, eggs, and dark leafy vegetables). This simple three-herb tea has a long tradition in Chinese food therapy as a gentle way to nourish yin and blood, and to support the liver and kidneys when they are depleted by fatigue and poor sleep.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients briefly.
2. Combine the rehmannia, polygonatum, and goji berries in a pot with 1.5 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes until the liquid reduces to approximately 2 cups.
4. Strain and drink. Can be divided into two servings across the day.

Nourilo’s Tips

Beyond this tea, Nourilo notes that addressing the root cause matters: getting enough sleep is fundamental, because no food therapy can fully compensate for chronic sleep deprivation. Gargling with warm salt water (at a high concentration) once or twice daily is also helpful if gum inflammation is contributing to the bitter taste. For those with a yin deficient pattern and gum swelling, consider substituting raw rehmannia (sheng di) for the prepared rehmannia (shu di) to add a cooling, blood-cooling dimension.