Goji and Sour Jujube Seed Tea (Qi Zi Zao Ren Cha)

Why people make this tea

During exam season, many parents rush to give their children tonics and rich supplements — but Nourilo cautions that overdoing it can backfire: too rich or too heating, and the child becomes agitated, has a poor appetite, and loses focus. Instead, gentle and balanced food therapy works better. This goji and sour jujube seed tea is one of the simplest calming drinks in the traditional Chinese repertoire. Two ingredients, twenty minutes, and a cup of naturally sweet, mildly earthy tea that supports the liver, calms the mind, and may help with restful sleep. It is equally useful for adults dealing with work stress, early-morning fatigue, or the brain fog that comes with overwork.

Method

1. Rinse the goji berries briefly with boiling water to clean them.
2. Crush or pound the sour jujube seeds (a mortar and pestle or a zip-lock bag and rolling pin both work).
3. Place the goji berries, crushed jujube seeds, and sugar in a teapot or heatproof cup.
4. Pour in freshly boiled water and steep, covered, for about 20 minutes.
5. Strain out the solids and drink while warm.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is simple but genuinely effective for those who are mentally overtaxed. It suits those with nervous exhaustion and insomnia with vivid dreams — a pattern often seen in students and people who work long hours. For best results, drink it consistently rather than just once or twice. A thick, greasy tongue coating (indicating excess dampness) suggests this tea is not the right fit; address the dampness first.