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Herbal & Flower Teas

Black Bean and Licorice Root Tea

traditionally associated with clearing accumulated toxins, supporting healthy skin, and calming restlessness in children

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
10 min
Cook
60 min
Total
70 min
Makes
600 ml
Cleansing & RegularityChildren's WellnessSkin & Natural BeautySleep & CalmEveryday Balance
Black Bean and Licorice Root Tea

Why people make this tea

In traditional Cantonese households, this humble two-ingredient tea holds a quietly important role: it is the “reset” after a course of medication. When a child has been through a week of cold medicine, or when an adult has been taking multiple prescriptions for a long period, this tea is brewed to help the body “clear out” what has accumulated.

Black beans and licorice root make a natural pairing. Black beans are cooling in nature yet not overly cold — considered neutral enough for most constitutions — and are traditionally associated with clearing heat and supporting detoxification. Licorice root is famous in Chinese herbal medicine as an ingredient that “harmonises” other herbs and is said to counteract plant-derived toxins broadly. Together, they make a gentle, accessible everyday tea.

For infants who are restless, feverish, or crying at night, the recipe can be adapted: use black beans with rush pith grass (deng xin cao) instead of licorice, to serve as a soothing warming milk tea.

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Frequently asked questions

What is this tea traditionally used for?

In traditional Cantonese households, this tea is traditionally used to help the body clear accumulated drug residues and heat toxins, particularly after a course of medication. Black beans are traditionally associated with clearing heat and supporting detoxification, while licorice root is said to counteract plant-derived toxins broadly.

Is this tea suitable for children?

The tea is traditionally associated with supporting children after a course of medication. For infants who are restless or crying at night, the recipe can be adapted by using black beans with rush pith grass (deng xin cao) instead of licorice root, brewed as a soothing warming tea.

Should I avoid this tea if I have an active fever?

Yes. The recipe notes that you should not use this tea during an active fever.

How much does one batch make, and how long does it take to prepare?

One batch yields approximately 600 ml, which serves 1 to 2 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes and cooking takes 45 to 60 minutes, for a total time of around 70 minutes.

How often can this tea be used as part of a general wellness routine?

The recipe notes that for clearing residual drug accumulation, it can be used 2 times per week for about a month; for general wellness, once or twice a week is described as fine.

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