Herbal & Flower Teas
Fresh Mulberry and Hawthorn Tea
Traditionally associated with supporting healthy blood pressure, lipids and cholesterol
Why people make this tea
Fresh mulberries in season are worth seeking out: in traditional food therapy this tea is associated with supporting healthy blood pressure, lipids and cholesterol. It is pleasantly sour-sweet, and is also said to carry antioxidant and beauty benefits that make it a favourite among those watching their weight.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those wanting a daily tea to support healthy blood pressure, lipids and cholesterol; said to suit a slightly cold constitution
- Diabetics can drink it — skip the rock sugar and use a sugar substitute instead
- Those with excess stomach acid should take it after meals and use a little less hawthorn
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Mulberry (sang shen): traditionally nourishing; associated with antioxidant and beautifying benefits. Dried mulberry (a herb shop item) can be used instead.
- Hawthorn (shan zha): warm and sour; traditionally invigorates the blood and helps the body cope with rich, greasy food.
- Rock sugar (bing tang): balances the tartness; optional, and best skipped by diabetics.
Ingredients (2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh mulberries (sang shen) | 2 taels (~75 g) | Or dried mulberry 3 qian |
| Hawthorn (shan zha) | 1 tael (~38 g) | Use less if stomach acid is high |
| Rock sugar (bing tang) | to taste | Skip and use a sugar substitute for diabetics |
Method
- Rinse the fresh mulberries and hawthorn.
- Simmer in 5 bowls of water down to about 2 bowls.
- Stir in rock sugar until dissolved, then serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is pleasantly sour-sweet and, beyond supporting blood pressure, lipids and cholesterol, is traditionally said to be antioxidant and good for the complexion, so it suits those watching their weight. If you cannot find fresh mulberries, dried mulberry from a Chinese herb shop works fine — use 3 qian each time. Diabetics should skip the rock sugar and use a sugar substitute.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (AMY): Can a diabetic drink this? Bro Niu: Yes, a diabetic can drink it. Do not add sugar — use a sugar substitute instead.
- Q (JC): Can someone with a cold, weak constitution drink this tea? Bro Niu: This tea suits those with a slightly cold constitution.
- Q (daphne): What if I have no fresh mulberries — are dried ones okay? Bro Niu: You can use dried mulberry, no problem. It is available at Chinese herb shops; use 3 qian each time.
Published April 19, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
