Herbal & Flower Teas
Fresh Dendrobium and Goji Berry Tea
Traditionally nourishes yin, supports the liver and eyes
Why people make this tea
Dendrobium is traditionally valued for nourishing the stomach, generating fluids, nourishing yin and clearing heat. Fresh dendrobium is available at Chinese herb shops and Asian grocers, or online. Once a rare, prized yin-nourishing herb nicknamed the “life-saving fairy grass,” it has become affordable for everyday wellness thanks to modern cultivation. Paired with goji berries, it makes a clear, fragrant tea traditionally associated with supporting the liver and eyes.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for men, women, the young and the old — a mild, everyday tea
- Bro Niu notes the polysaccharides in the ingredients are traditionally regarded as supporting the stomach and liver and the immune system, which may be of value to those going through chemotherapy or radiotherapy — please coordinate with your doctor
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh dendrobium (shi hu): Traditionally valued for nourishing the stomach, generating fluids, nourishing yin and clearing heat.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and supporting the eyes.
Ingredients (2–3 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh dendrobium stem | ~19 g | Rinsed, lightly crushed, cut into segments |
| Goji berries | 1 tbsp | Rinsed |
Method
- Rinse the fresh dendrobium, lightly crush it and cut into segments.
- Rinse the goji berries.
- Simmer both in 3 bowls of water for 6–8 minutes. Drink.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is clear and fragrant — good for the whole family. After drinking, eat the softened dendrobium and goji too; the polysaccharides in them are traditionally regarded as protective for the stomach and liver and as supporting immune function, which may be of value to those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Betty): If I use dried dendrobium instead of fresh, how much should I use? Bro Niu: Use about 3 qian (~11 g) of dried dendrobium.
- Q (Jenny): Is the fresh form better than dried? Where can I find it? Bro Niu: Dried Huoshan dendrobium is finest; the fresh form is tasty and convenient for tea or soup. Fresh dendrobium is available at Chinese herb shops and Asian grocery stores — look around at Chinese or Asian herb and health-food retailers.
Published February 22, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
