Nourilo

Herbal & Flower Teas

Toasted Floating Wheat Tea (Fu Xiao Mai Tea)

traditionally supports the body in reducing spontaneous sweating (day) and night sweats

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
10 min
Cook
5 min
Total
15 min
Makes
1 day's tea
Everyday Balance
Toasted Floating Wheat Tea (Fu Xiao Mai Tea)

Why people make this tea

Sweating is entirely normal when you exercise or when it is hot. But some people notice they break out in a sweat for no obvious reason during the day, or wake up drenched at night despite a cool room. In Chinese medicine, this is categorised as “spontaneous sweating” (zi han) — sweating without exertion, often linked to qi deficiency — or “night sweats” (dao han) — sweating during sleep that stops on waking, often associated with yin deficiency. Nourilo offers a helpful note on where sweating tends to occur and what it might indicate in TCM terms: forehead sweating may relate to heart or liver fire; sweating around the nose to lung qi insufficiency; hand and foot sweating to spleen deficiency. Floating wheat (fu xiao mai) is the traditional remedy for both patterns. It is simply the light, unfilled wheat grains that float when dropped in water — inexpensive, easy to find at Chinese herb shops, and gentle enough for regular use.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the basic recipe and the night-sweat version?

The basic recipe uses only 2 tablespoons of toasted floating wheat and is traditionally associated with spontaneous sweating (zi han) during the day, which is commonly linked to qi deficiency. For night sweats (dao han), 1 tablespoon each of wu wei zi and goji berries are added to the infuser alongside the floating wheat, as this pattern is commonly associated with yin deficiency.

How long does one batch make, and how is it used throughout the day?

One portion yields approximately 2 cups of brewed tea and is intended as 1 day's supply. The infuser can be re-steeped multiple times throughout the day until the flavour fades, with the recipe suggesting 1 portion per day continued for 1 to 2 weeks while observing whether symptoms improve.

Why is toasting the floating wheat such an important step?

Toasting is described as enhancing both the flavour and the traditional astringent-qi quality of the wheat. The file notes that the lowest possible flame must be used, as the grains can scorch easily and will jump around in the pan; using a lid helps contain them without raising the heat.

Is this tea suitable for people with diabetes?

According to the recipe, floating wheat contains very little starch and does not raise blood sugar, so it is described as safe for diabetics.

Is there anyone who should not use this tea?

The recipe includes a caution that this tea should not be used while breastfeeding, as floating wheat can reduce milk supply; millet is suggested as an alternative in that case.

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