Astragalus, Alisma and Plantain Seed Tea

Why people make this tea

It is surprisingly common — especially among women — to develop a mild, unexplained puffiness in the ankles and lower legs by the end of the day, without any diagnosed heart or kidney problem behind it. Long hours of sitting, a diet that leans salty, and a constitution that runs a little low on qi (the Chinese concept of vital energy) can all contribute. This simple three-herb tea addresses that pattern directly. Astragalus root (bei qi) is one of the most widely used qi-tonifying herbs in Chinese food therapy, and its combination with the diuretic herbs alisma and plantain seed creates a formula that supports the body’s natural ability to move and clear excess fluid. It is also associated in food therapy with supporting healthy cholesterol and blood pressure.

Method

1. Place the plantain seeds in a small muslin or tea-strainer bag (to prevent the fine seeds from escaping into the tea).
2. Rinse all ingredients briefly.
3. Place everything in a pot with 1.2 L of cold water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes until 600 ml remain.
5. Remove the plantain seed bag. Strain and drink warm, dividing the tea across the day.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea works best for people whose leg swelling is genuinely constitutional — puffy legs without any diagnosed cardiovascular or kidney cause. Keeping to a lower-salt diet and getting moderate exercise are equally important. If your swelling comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or other concerning symptoms, skip the tea and see a doctor. For those with a cold digestive constitution who still want to use this formula, adding 6 g of dried ginger helps balance the cooling nature of alisma and plantain seed.