Cinnamon Twig, Dry Ginger, Angelica & Red Date Tea (Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Dang Gui Zao Tea)

Why people make this tea

As the weather turns cool, some people notice their body responding more than others: persistent fatigue, cold limbs that never seem to warm up, puffiness in the legs, a sluggish metabolism. In Chinese medicine, this pattern — cold constitution with poor circulation and water retention — is seen as a sign that the body’s “warming channels” need support. Cinnamon twig (gui zhi) is one of the most revered warming herbs in Chinese medicine, used to gently restore warmth to the extremities and encourage circulation. Combined with dry ginger, blood-nourishing angelica, and sweet red dates, this compact four-ingredient tea is a practical warming formula that has been used by Chinese women for generations, particularly in the weeks following menstruation.

Method

1. Lightly crush or break the cinnamon twigs, dry ginger, and dates to allow their flavours to release more easily.
2. Place all four ingredients in a tea infuser bag or small cloth bag.
3. Pour freshly boiled water over the bag, or alternatively: place in a small pot with 0.9–1.2 L of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes for a stronger brew.
4. Steep for 15 minutes if using the hot-water method.
5. Drink throughout the day. The same ingredients can be re-steeped 1–2 more times until the flavour fades.
6. This is 1 day’s serving. Take for 3 consecutive days (one course), then rest a few days before repeating another course.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is particularly suited to women who feel chronically cold and tend to retain water. Nourilo recommends starting after menstruation ends — not during — and taking 3 days as one course, then resting a few days before the next course. If you prefer not to use the tea bag method, you can simmer all the ingredients in a pot of water for 45 minutes instead. Dry ginger (gan jiang) is available at Chinese herb shops. For the angelica, use the whole root slice (全归, quan gui) for the best nourishing effect.