Goji Berry & Stevia Leaf Tea

Why people make this tea

Stevia (tian ju ye) is a remarkable plant. Its leaves contain steviol glycosides — compounds that are around 200 times sweeter than cane sugar, yet contribute virtually no calories and have no significant effect on blood glucose. For people with diabetes or those trying to avoid sugar, stevia offers a way to enjoy a genuinely sweet drink without any of the metabolic downsides of regular sweeteners. Nourilo discovered stevia leaves at a Chinese herb shop in Sai Ying Pun among an array of flower and herb teas — and immediately recognised their value. Paired with goji berries, which are deeply nourishing to the liver and kidneys and associated in traditional food therapy with eye health, fatigue relief, and cholesterol support, this tea becomes something both practical and pleasant to drink every day.

Method

1. Place goji berries and stevia leaves in a teapot or large mug.
2. First rinse: pour in a small amount of boiling water, swirl briefly, and pour it off (this rinses any dust from the herbs).
3. Fill with fresh boiling water and steep for 7–8 minutes.
4. Pour and drink. The tea can be re-steeped 2–3 times until the flavour fades.

Nourilo’s Tips

Stevia leaves can be found at Chinese herb and spice shops in areas with concentrated herb stores — in Hong Kong, Sai Ying Pun (around nos. 149–174) has multiple shops worth visiting. For those worried about bloating or stomach acid with this tea, add a thin strip of dried tangerine peel — it helps the qi circulate and prevents a heavy, gassy feeling. This tea is naturally sweet and pleasant enough to enjoy daily; regular drinking is associated with skin-brightening and eye-nourishing benefits alongside the blood-sugar and cholesterol-supporting effects.