Herbal & Flower Teas
Chamomile, Goji Berry and Liquorice Tea
traditionally used to ease anxiety, support restful sleep, and nourish liver-eye health
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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most adults; generally gentle enough for older children with parental guidance.
- Women who experience menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea) may find this tea particularly soothing.
- Pregnant women should avoid all flower-based herbal teas — many flowers are thought to stimulate the uterus; chamomile in particular is best avoided during pregnancy.
- Fine as a regular wellness tea — 3 cups per week is a sensible frequency; no need to drink it daily.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chamomile (yang gan ju): Well-studied for its calming, anti-anxiety properties; traditionally associated with warming and settling the digestive system, easing tension, and promoting restful sleep.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi, Lycium barbarum): Rich in antioxidants (zeaxanthin); traditionally associated with nourishing liver and kidney yin, supporting clear vision, and gently replenishing the blood.
- Liquorice root (gan cao, Glycyrrhiza uralensis): A classic harmonising herb in Chinese practice; adds natural sweetness, supports the stomach, and balances the stronger flavours of the other ingredients. Use in small quantities.
Ingredients (1 pot / 1–2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried chamomile flowers | 1 tablespoon | German chamomile preferred; buy from a trusted source and use quickly in warm/humid weather |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 1 tablespoon | Rinse briefly before steeping |
| Liquorice root slices (gan cao) | 4–5 slices | Found in Chinese herb shops |
Method
- Place chamomile, goji berries, and liquorice slices in a teapot or heatproof cup.
- First, pour a little boiling water over the ingredients to rinse them; then drain and discard this rinse water.
- Pour in fresh boiling water to fill the pot or cup.
- Steep for 5–8 minutes, then drink. The goji berries can be eaten.
Bro Niu’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, Bro Niu suggests drinking this tea during the day and trying longan flesh and lily bulb (yuan rou 10 pieces + bai he 5 qian, simmered 20 minutes) in the evening before bed, eating the ingredients too.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (ROSITA): I have difficulty falling asleep and often wake during the night. I want to try chamomile goji tea — what time of day is best to drink it? Bro Niu: Drink the chamomile goji tea during the daytime. For evenings before bed, try simmering 10 pieces of dried longan flesh (yuan rou) with 5 qian of lily bulb (bai he) in water for 20 minutes — make sure to eat the cooked fruit and bulb as well, not just the liquid. That combination may help you settle into sleep.
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Q (anonymous): Can chrysanthemum (tai ju / regular chrysanthemum) replace chamomile in this recipe? Bro Niu: The actions of chamomile and chrysanthemum differ slightly, but their ability to nourish the liver and support clear vision is quite similar — so yes, you can substitute regular chrysanthemum in a pinch.
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Q (May): I am about 5 months pregnant. Can I drink fresh mulberry leaf with chrysanthemum and rock sugar simmered in water? Bro Niu: Generally, herbal flower teas are not recommended during pregnancy as many flowers can cause uterine contractions. Chrysanthemum is on the milder end, so a small amount — around 2 qian — is probably fine, and combining it with mulberry leaf is no problem. But as a rule, it is safest for pregnant women to check with their doctor before regularly drinking any flower tea.
Published March 20, 2021 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
