He Shou Wu Red Date Sweet Tea

Why people make this tea

In traditional Chinese food therapy, he shou wu has long been regarded as one of the classic herbs for supporting healthy-looking skin and dark, glossy hair — the kind your grandmother might have sworn by. Paired with the gentle sweetness of red dates and candied dates, this three-ingredient tea is easy to prepare and pleasant to drink. Bro Niu notes that regular, moderate use is traditionally associated with a rosy complexion, shiny hair, and may be supportive of healthy blood lipid levels.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Women of all ages looking to support complexion and hair health through diet
• Men who want a general nourishing tonic — this tea suits both sexes
• Those with liver conditions or who are taking liver-affecting medications should consult a doctor before use
• Nursing mothers: if using processed he shou wu powder in any form, take it only after breastfeeding, not before, to be safe

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• He shou wu (he shou wu / Polygonum multiflorum): In Chinese herbal tradition, the processed root is considered a kidney and liver tonic, associated with nourishing the blood and supporting hair pigment. The processed (zhi) form is milder and better tolerated than raw.
• Red dates (hong zao): A well-known blood-nourishing food in Chinese cooking, associated with supporting energy and rosy skin tone. Dates with pits are preferred — they retain more beneficial compounds.
• Candied dates (mi zao): Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the flavour of the herbal brew without refined sugar.

Ingredients (3–4 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
He shou wu (processed preferred)	37 g (1 liang)	Soak and rinse before use
Red dates	15 pieces	Pitted; buy the unpitted variety and remove pits at home
Candied dates	4 pieces	Natural sweetener

Method

1. Soak the he shou wu briefly in cold water, then rinse clean.
2. Remove the pits from the red dates.
3. Place all ingredients in a clay or ceramic pot with 8 cups (approx. 2 litres) of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 2 hours, until the liquid reduces to 3–4 cups.
5. Serve warm. The tea is lightly sweet on its own; adjust sweetness with a little rock sugar if preferred.

Bro Niu’s tips

Buy red dates with pits — they are the genuine article. The pitted dates sold at many convenience stores are often dried residue from processed date tea or date crystals with little therapeutic value. Once pitted, store the dates in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. This tea is traditionally associated with helping to lower blood lipids, and may also be supportive of arterial health.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader): How often should this tea be drunk, and how much per serving? Can men drink it too? Bro Niu: Once a week is a good frequency. The recipe as written makes enough for 2–3 people, and both men and women can enjoy it.

---

Published March 8, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.