Herbal & Flower Teas
Fresh Hawthorn Walnut Tea
Traditionally used to support circulation and graceful aging
Why people make this tea
When fresh hawthorn comes into season, this simple tea is well worth making. Hawthorn is a classic for invigorating circulation and helping the body break down a heavy meal, and is mildly warming in nature. Bro Niu often steeps a “three-reds tea” of hawthorn, goji, and red dates to support graceful aging — and this fresh hawthorn and walnut combination is another fine option, especially comforting for people with a cooler constitution who feel pale, with achy lower back and knees.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with a cooler constitution who feel pale or have an achy lower back and knees
- Those who want to support circulation and graceful aging
- Traditionally seen as helpful for people who cough easily in cold weather
- Not suitable during pregnancy; people with diabetes should leave out the honey
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh hawthorn (shan zha): mildly warming; traditionally used to invigorate circulation and help digest a heavy meal, and associated with supporting heart and vessel function.
- Walnut kernels (he tao rou): warming and nourishing; traditionally valued to support the lungs and lower back.
- Honey (feng mi): added just for a touch of sweetness; omit for diabetes.
Ingredients (2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh hawthorn | ~75 g (2 tael) | Or ~19 g (5 qian) dried hawthorn |
| Walnut kernels | 1 tablespoon | |
| Honey | a little | Omit for diabetes |
Method
- Rinse the fresh hawthorn and slice it; rinse the walnut kernels.
- Add to 4 bowls of water and boil for 20 minutes, reducing to 2 bowls.
- Stir in a little honey when serving.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is traditionally seen as especially comforting for people who are weak in the lungs and kidneys and who cough easily in cold weather. If you have no fresh hawthorn, use about 19 g (5 qian) of dried hawthorn instead. People with diabetes do not need to add honey.
Published December 19, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
