Herbal & Flower Teas
Chamomile & Goji Berry Tea
Traditionally supports eye health and helps reduce puffiness
Why people make this tea
When Bro Niu was taking a course on making aromatic essential oils many years ago, chamomile caught his attention for its remarkably gentle yet effective anti-inflammatory properties. As a flower tea, chamomile has long been popular globally for its calming, slightly apple-sweet aroma and its associations with restful sleep, headache relief, and skin soothing. Chinese goji berry (gou qi zi) is a natural pairing — rich in zeaxanthin and antioxidant polysaccharides, it is one of the most classic Chinese herbs for nourishing the liver and supporting eye health. Together in a simple infusion, these two ingredients make a tea that is as enjoyable to drink daily as it is practically useful during seasons of heavy screen use or environmental stress.
The used tea bag can also be placed over closed eyes while still warm — a gentle compress that may help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most adults as a daily wellness tea
- Particularly helpful for those experiencing eye fatigue, mild puffiness, dark circles, headaches related to tension, or disrupted sleep
- Also associated with soothing nervous tension and supporting mild gastrointestinal comfort (including reducing excess stomach acid)
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chamomile (yang gan ju): Contains apigenin and various flavonoids; research supports anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and mild sedative properties. Traditionally associated with soothing eye and skin inflammations, relieving headaches, and calming nervous tension
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): A cornerstone of Chinese food therapy for eye health; rich in zeaxanthin (which concentrates in the retina), polysaccharides, and antioxidants. Traditionally nourishes the liver and kidneys, which in Chinese medicine are closely linked to eye function
Ingredients (1–2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chamomile flowers (yang gan ju) | 1 tablespoon | German or Roman chamomile both work |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 1 tablespoon |
Method
- Place the chamomile and goji berries together into a tea bag.
- Place the tea bag into a cup or teapot.
- Rinse once briefly with a little boiling water; discard that first rinse.
- Pour fresh boiling water over the tea bag and steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag and drink the tea.
- Optional: while the used tea bag is still warm, place it gently over closed eyes for a few minutes as a compress — this may help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
- The goji berries in the bag can also be eaten.
Bro Niu’s tips
Chamomile is available in German or Roman varieties at flower tea shops — both are suitable. China-produced chamomile (gan ju) is also available at some Chinese herbal medicine shops at a lower price, but it does not keep well and tends to develop pests during storage, so buy only a small amount at a time. This tea also supports neutral gastric acid levels and helps ease emotional tension.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Lisa): I have swelling at the base of my neck that may be a lymph node. I have been working late every night until 1 a.m. What can I drink to help it reduce? Bro Niu: You can try xia ku cao (self-heal herb) 5 qian, golden monk fruit half a fruit, and zhe bei mu (Zhejiang fritillary) 3 qian. Boil in 5 bowls of water for 40 minutes down to 2 bowls. Drink in one day; take 4 consecutive servings. This helps dissolve and scatter nodules.
Published July 23, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
