Chamomile, Goji Berry and Liquorice Tea

Why people make this tea

Chamomile has been used for relaxation across many cultures for centuries, and in Chinese food therapy it sits comfortably alongside goji berries — one of the most trusted everyday wellness ingredients in the Chinese kitchen. On its own, chamomile helps the body unwind: it is associated with easing tension, settling the stomach, and warming digestion. Combined with goji berries and a few slices of liquorice root, the blend takes on a liver-supporting character that practitioners associate with clearer vision, reduced eye strain from screen use, and a calmer, more settled mood. The liquorice adds gentle sweetness and rounds out the blend.

Method

1. Place chamomile, goji berries, and liquorice slices in a teapot or heatproof cup.
2. First, pour a little boiling water over the ingredients to rinse them; then drain and discard this rinse water.
3. Pour in fresh boiling water to fill the pot or cup.
4. Steep for 5–8 minutes, then drink. The goji berries can be eaten.

Nourilo’s Tips

If you can find German chamomile, the fragrance is more refined than domestic varieties — well worth the extra cost. Domestic chamomile is cheaper but is more prone to insect damage in warmer, more humid months, so use it up quickly once purchased. This tea is light and calming, and three cups a week is enough to enjoy its benefits as a regular wellness drink — no need to drink it every single day. If you specifically want help with sleep, Nourilo suggests drinking this tea during the day and trying longan flesh and lily bulb (yuan rou 10 pieces + bai he 19 g, simmered 20 minutes) in the evening before bed, eating the ingredients too.