Eleuthero and Goji Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

Eleuthero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is sometimes called Siberian ginseng in Western herbalism, and for good reason — it has been studied for its ability to support physical stamina, reduce fatigue, and enhance cognitive performance under stress. Traditional Chinese food-therapy has long regarded it as a tonic that can support the brain, calm the nerves, and bolster the body’s defences. Paired with goji berries — a well-known antioxidant-rich berry associated with eye and liver health — this light, mildly sweet tea makes a practical daily drink for anyone studying intensively, working long hours, or simply wanting extra support for energy and focus.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for adults and older children (above school age) as a daily wellness tea
• Traditionally recommended before meals; best not taken alongside heavily oily food
• Those with strong heat conditions or ongoing fever should consult a practitioner before using eleuthero

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Eleuthero root (ci wu jia): An adaptogenic herb associated with anti-fatigue, improved learning, enhanced vitality, anti-inflammatory activity, immune modulation, antidepressant effects, and nerve protection. It is also traditionally associated with supporting blood circulation to the brain and improving memory. Recent research has explored its potential to inhibit certain viruses.
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): Rich in zeaxanthin and antioxidants; in food-therapy, used to nourish the liver, brighten the eyes, and support kidney function. Adds natural sweetness to balance the slightly bitter eleuthero.
• Rock sugar (bing tang): Gentle and mild; helps balance the flavour and is considered less warming than regular sugar.

Ingredients (about 2 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Eleuthero root	~19 g (5 qian)	Available at Chinese herbal stores
Goji berries	~11 g (3 qian)	Rinse before use
Rock sugar	A little	To taste; stevia leaves (3–4 pieces) may be substituted
Water	4 bowls (~800 ml)

Method

1. Rinse the eleuthero root and goji berries briefly.
2. Combine the eleuthero root and goji berries with 4 bowls of water in a small pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
4. Add rock sugar (or stevia leaves) and stir to dissolve.
5. Strain and serve warm, ideally before a meal.

Bro Niu’s tips

This tea has only a mild herbal flavour and is quite approachable. It is particularly supportive for those who feel physically depleted, have difficulty sleeping, notice their memory or vision declining, or have a poor appetite. Drink before meals and avoid pairing with very greasy foods. Eleuthero root is sold at Chinese herbal medicine shops. If you prefer a sugar-free version, 3–4 fresh stevia leaves work beautifully as a substitute.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader): Can I substitute stevia leaves for the rock sugar? Bro Niu: Yes, 3–4 stevia leaves work well as a substitute.

• Q (reader): My mother is 84 and has been feeling unsettled and mentally fuzzy — is there a soup to help calm and nourish her? Bro Niu: You can make a soup using longan flesh (yuan rou, 3 qian), lily bulb (bai he, 1 liang), and lotus seeds (lian zi, 1 liang) with lean pork. This combination supports blood, calms the heart, and eases the mind. Adding poria with heart (fu shen, 5 qian) would be even better. Do also monitor blood pressure and whether there is any irregular heartbeat.

• Q (Helen): I have been sleeping poorly — waking frequently and feeling like I have not slept at all. What food-therapy can help? Bro Niu: Sometimes anxiety and nervous tension cause poor sleep. Try a soup of wheat grain (xiao mai mi), longan flesh, lily bulb, lotus seeds, and poria with heart (fu shen) cooked with lean pork for one hour. This supports blood, nourishes the heart, and calms the mind. Take for three consecutive days.

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Published April 24, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.