Hawthorn Walnut Tea

Why people make this tea

Walnuts are traditionally regarded as one of the most nourishing foods for the kidneys and lungs in Chinese food therapy, while hawthorn is a gentle digestive aid that also supports circulation. Walnut kernel powder dissolves easily into hot water, making this one of the most convenient tonics to prepare — simply steep the hawthorn, stir in the walnut powder, and sweeten with a little honey. Together, this quick brew offers a warming, nutty drink that is easy to prepare on any morning.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for adults who experience shortness of breath, a weak lower back, pale complexion, or mild cough associated with a deficient constitution
• People who show signs of lung-heat — red tongue, yellow or green phlegm, or active fever — should not use this tea
• Pregnant women should avoid this tea

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Hawthorn berries (shan zha): A familiar sour-sweet berry used in traditional Chinese food therapy to support digestion and circulation; in combination with walnut it is believed to help the lungs and kidneys work more efficiently
• Walnut kernel powder (he tao ren): Walnuts are one of the classic kidney-nourishing foods in traditional Chinese dietary therapy; they are rich in phosphorus and healthy fats, and are traditionally associated with supporting lung function and easing mild respiratory complaints
• Honey: Adds gentle sweetness and is traditionally considered soothing to the respiratory tract

Ingredients (1 serving)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried hawthorn berries (shan zha)	2 tablespoons	Available at Chinese herbal stores
Walnut kernel powder (he tao ren fen)	1 tablespoon	Freshly ground is best; whole walnut kernels also work
Honey	A small amount	To taste; add after steeping

Method

1. Place the hawthorn berries in a teapot or heatproof cup. Rinse once with a small splash of boiling water, then discard that rinse water.
2. Pour in enough freshly boiled water to fill the cup. Let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the walnut powder until evenly mixed.
4. Add honey to taste and drink while warm.

Bro Niu’s tips

If using whole walnut kernels instead of powder, steep them along with the hawthorn and be sure to eat the softened walnut pieces — the goodness is in the kernel itself, not just the liquid. This tea is also traditionally considered beneficial for cardiovascular wellness. However, those with lung-heat (red tongue, yellow phlegm) or pregnant women should not drink it.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Nana): I have had a cough for half a month and there is still sticky phlegm clinging to my throat no matter how much I cough. What can help clear it? Bro Niu: Try using ban xia (pinellia), fu ling (poria), bai zhu (white atractylodes) 3 qian each, chen pi (dried tangerine peel) 2 qian, and gan cao (licorice) 1 qian. Simmer in 5 bowls of water down to 2 bowls. Take for 3 consecutive doses — it should help clear the phlegm.

• Q (reader, 19号): After a sore throat, I still have throat irritation and persistent coughing, especially when lying down, with a little green and sticky white phlegm. Bro Niu: Try luo han guo (monk fruit) half a piece, pang da hai 3 qian, ban lan gen (isatis root) 3 qian, and chen pi 1 piece. Simmer 4 bowls of water down to 2 bowls and take for 3 doses. It helps reduce inflammation, dissolve phlegm, and soothe the throat.

• Q (MAY): If the spleen and stomach are weak and prone to bloating, can I still drink the black bean tea? Or just drink the liquid without eating the beans? Bro Niu: Just drinking the liquid would be better in that case. You could also add a piece of dried tangerine peel when simmering — it helps ease stomach gas.

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Published March 14, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.