German Chamomile and Black Goji Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

Black goji berries — rare, deeply pigmented relatives of the familiar red wolfberry — have become one of the most talked-about ingredients in contemporary Chinese food therapy. It takes around ten pounds of fresh black goji berries to yield just one pound of the dried berries, which accounts for their premium value. Paired with German chamomile (considered superior in quality and longevity to the common Chinese variety), this makes a gorgeous, violet-tinted tea that is as pleasant to drink as it is visually striking. The combination supports liver and kidney health, helps with tired or deteriorating eyesight, and promotes the kind of calm that makes it an ideal evening drink.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• People with tired, dry, or sensitive eyes; deteriorating vision; or skin that is rough or dull
• Those going through perimenopause or experiencing sleep disturbance
• Women with endometriosis or chocolate cysts (jukeliche cysts): black goji berries alone are safe to use
• Early pregnancy: chamomile is traditionally avoided in the first trimester — black goji berries can be taken alone with warm water instead
• From the second trimester onward: black goji berries in warm water are considered safe
• If you experience dizziness or discomfort after drinking this tea, discontinue and see if it was the cause — individual sensitivities vary

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Black goji berries (hei gou qi / Lycium ruthenicum): Exceptionally high in anthocyanins — the same antioxidant pigments in blueberries, only in much higher concentration. Traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys, supporting healthy vision, calming the spirit, and slowing the signs of ageing. Considered more potent than the common red goji in these specific actions.
• German chamomile (gan ju / Matricaria chamomilla): Milder and more aromatic than the widely available Chinese chrysanthemum. Beyond clearing the liver and brightening the eyes, German chamomile is traditionally associated with easing pre-menstrual discomfort and promoting sleep. It retains its freshness and quality far longer than ordinary chamomile — a worthwhile investment.

Ingredients (1–2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Black goji berries (hei gou qi)	1 tablespoon	From a reputable Chinese herb shop or specialty health store
German chamomile flowers (gan ju)	1 tablespoon	Available at Chinese herb shops and well-stocked health food stores

Method

1. Place the black goji berries and German chamomile into a teapot or heatproof cup.
2. Rinse once with a small amount of freshly boiled water and discard the rinse water.
3. Pour in fresh boiling water to fill.
4. Steep for 5 minutes before drinking.
5. The tea can be re-steeped until the flavour and colour fade. Eat the softened black goji berries — they contain the most concentrated nutrients.

Bro Niu’s tips

German chamomile costs noticeably more than ordinary Chinese chamomile, but the difference in quality is significant — the German variety stays fragrant and insect-free far longer than cheaper alternatives, making it better value over time. If you cannot find German chamomile, chrysanthemum (Chinese ju hua) or snow chrysanthemum (xue ju) make reasonable substitutes. Adding a small pinch of loose green tea can help temper any warming quality in the black goji berries if you tend to run hot. Both ingredients are available at Chinese herb shops and online Asian health retailers.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (kiki): I am pregnant — can I use black goji berries? Are they cooling or warming? How are they different from regular red goji berries? Bro Niu: Black goji berries have a neutral energy — neither strongly warming nor cooling. If you tend to run hot, you can add a small pinch of green tea to balance. Their distinctive advantage over regular red goji is their very high anthocyanin content, which is especially beneficial for eye health and immune support. During pregnancy, the berries on their own are fine; it is the chamomile that is traditionally avoided in early pregnancy.

• Q (Mag): Can I substitute snow chrysanthemum or tai chrysanthemum (tai ju) for the German chamomile? Bro Niu: Yes, both snow chrysanthemum and tai chrysanthemum work as substitutes. Of course, German chamomile also helps with sleep quality and easing pre-menstrual discomfort, which is an added bonus.

• Q (scy): Can black goji berries be used in cooked soups? Bro Niu: Yes — add the black goji berries after the soup is fully cooked, then simmer for another 5 minutes before serving. Better still, eat the berries along with the soup — that is where most of the goodness lies.

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Published April 8, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.