Herbal & Flower Teas
Cornus Fruit, Codonopsis & Schisandra Tea
traditionally used to consolidate the body and curb excessive sweating
Why people make this tea
In hot weather, sweating is normal — it’s how the body cools itself and helps stave off heat. But if you sweat heavily without doing much, it’s worth paying attention. Some children sweat ceaselessly after falling asleep, sometimes with cool skin — that can be “deficiency sweating.” Adults get it too: people who are run-down, recovering from a serious illness, or weak after childbirth can perspire heavily and may benefit from some gentle conditioning. This trio of cornus fruit, codonopsis and schisandra is the classic, comforting answer.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people who sweat easily from weakness — children, the convalescent, those who are run-down, and women weak after childbirth.
- Also helpful for poor appetite, restless sleep, and a tendency to catch colds.
- Pregnant women should not take it.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Cornus fruit (shan yu rou): traditionally associated with tonifying the liver and kidney and astringing to curb sweating.
- Schisandra (wu wei zi): used to generate fluids and consolidate against both spontaneous and night sweats.
- Codonopsis (dang shen): tonifies the middle and boosts qi, supporting an underlying weakness.
Ingredients (2 bowls — 1 day’s serving)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cornus fruit (shan yu rou) | ~11 g (3 qian) | rinsed |
| Codonopsis (dang shen) | ~19 g (5 qian) | rinsed |
| Schisandra (wu wei zi) | ~11 g (3 qian) | rinsed |
Method
- Rinse the herbs.
- Boil in 5 bowls of water for 45 minutes until reduced to 2 bowls.
- Divide and drink over the day.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is a real help for people who are weak and sweat a lot, with poor appetite, unsettled sleep, or a tendency to catch colds. But pregnant women should not take it.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (May): Lately I’m sleeping badly, with a dry mouth, dry eyes and more vaginal discharge. Even half an hour in the sun just now brought on a light sweat and a little dizziness. A Chinese doctor said my qi and blood and body fluids are insufficient. Is there a food therapy that could help? Bro Niu: You can use this same tea shown in the photo, adding about 19 g of mai dong and 11 g of goji berries; take 3 doses and see whether it helps.
Published March 19, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
