Herbal & Flower Teas
Dandelion Root and Honeysuckle Tea
Traditionally used to clear heat and soothe various inflammations
Why people make this tea
Dandelion has long been valued in food therapy for clearing heat and “heat-toxin” patterns. Both the leaf and the roasted root can be steeped as tea, and Bro Niu likes pairing the root (or leaf) with honeysuckle flower. The combination is traditionally turned to for everyday heat complaints — the kind of low-grade “fired up” feeling many people get — and modern interest in dandelion has grown alongside its reputation. If you eat a lot of raw seafood, take care of your stomach generally.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who feel “heaty,” prone to mouth ulcers or other inflammatory niggles.
- Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a cold, weak stomach; do not overuse. If your constitution runs cold, you can add a little ginger juice to balance it.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Dandelion root/leaf (pu gong ying): classic heat-clearing herb, traditionally used for heat-toxin patterns and inflammation.
- Honeysuckle flower (jin yin hua): fragrant cooling flower, traditionally paired with dandelion to clear heat while keeping the cup pleasant.
Ingredients (1 pot, refillable)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dandelion root or leaf (pu gong ying) | 1 tbsp | roasted root preferred |
| Honeysuckle flower (jin yin hua) | 1 tbsp |
Method
- Put both ingredients in a teapot and rinse once with boiling water; discard the rinse.
- Pour in fresh boiling water, cover, and steep 10 minutes.
- Drink warm; refill with hot water until the flavour fades.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fragrant with a sweet aftertaste — not bitter or harsh — and traditionally thought to be good for the complexion too. But it is cooling: do not overdo it. Those with a cold, weak stomach, pregnant women and breastfeeding mums should avoid it. If your constitution is cold, add a little ginger juice when steeping.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Lee): Does fresh dandelion have the same benefits? Bro Niu: Fresh dandelion works just as well, but make sure it is free of pesticide residue. The whole plant, root included, can be used.
Published March 30, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
