Prince's Ginseng, Sour Plum and Licorice Tea

Why people make this tea

When a cough lingers for weeks — especially in young children who have been taking Western medicine — it can leave the whole system feeling run down: poor appetite, low energy, a dry mouth, and that general sense that the body just has not fully recovered. In traditional Chinese dietary thinking, a prolonged cough is said to “injure the lung yin” — drawing on the body’s fluids and quieter restorative energy. Repeated courses of medicine can also weaken the spleen and stomach, reducing appetite and absorption.

Prince’s ginseng (tai zi shen) is sometimes called “children’s ginseng” because it offers a gentle, clear qi-supporting effect without the warming intensity of regular ginseng — making it ideal for children and for summer use. Paired with sour plum to astringently gather lost fluids, and licorice root to harmonise the formula, this tea is a simple, pleasant-tasting way to help the body rebuild after illness. Nourilo notes it is suitable for all ages and all constitution types.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients briefly.
2. Place prince’s ginseng, sour plum, and licorice root in a pot with 1.2 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
4. Add rock sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
5. Pour and drink warm. This makes about 2 cups — suitable for one child’s daily serving, or half a portion for younger children.

Nourilo’s Tips

• The flavour is naturally sweet and pleasantly sour — most children enjoy it, making it a good way to encourage wellness drinks without fuss.
• For babies 9 months and older: half a bowl is sufficient.
• This tea is well-suited to hot summer months when children sweat a lot and lose fluids easily. It can be made in a slightly larger batch and kept in the fridge for the day.
• If wu mei is not available, five-flavour berry (wu wei zi) at 9 g is a fine alternative and may work even better for children prone to night sweats or excessive perspiration.
• Do not use this tea as a substitute for medical attention if a child has a fever, active infection, or a cough with thick coloured phlegm — these require a doctor’s assessment.