American Ginseng and Dried Longan Tea

Why people make this tea

Dried longan (gui yuan / yuan rou) is a food-and-medicine treasure. Both fresh and dried longan run “heaty,” so if you enjoy the fresh fruit in season, Nourilo suggests enjoying just one “heaty” fruit at a time rather than combining several. Dried longan paired with ginseng is traditionally used to nourish the heart and spleen, the blood and the spirit. In hot weather, regular ginseng can be too warming, so Nourilo swaps in American ginseng for a gentler, less heating brew.

Method

1. Place the American ginseng slices and longan into a pot.
2. Pour in boiling water and steep, covered, for 10 minutes.
3. Drink; you can re-steep until the flavor fades.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is fragrant and tasty and is traditionally said to benefit those who are anemic, who use their brain heavily, or who overthink. Avoid during pregnancy and if you have any active inflammation. Note: do not steep acidic ingredients in a stainless-steel flask, as the acidity can release unwanted metals.