Herbal & Flower Teas
Jiaogulan Rose Green Tea
Traditionally used to ease fatigue and support calm focus
Why people make this tea
There is an old folk saying: “In the north there is Changbai ginseng, in the south there is jiaogulan” — meaning people have long regarded it as a humble cousin of ginseng. Steeped together with rose buds and green tea, this is the kind of cup Bro Niu reaches for after a long day staring at a computer, when the body feels worn and the mind feels wound a little too tight.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who sit at a screen for long hours, carry mental stress, or feel anxious and run-down
- Cooling by nature — those with a “cold” constitution may prefer black tea in place of green tea, balanced by the warming rose
- Not suitable during pregnancy
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Jiaogulan (jiao gu lan): the heart of the blend; traditionally valued to support rest, digestion, and a calm, steady feeling, and associated with easing tiredness.
- Rose buds (mei gui hua): warming in nature, used to soften the cooling quality of jiaogulan and to lift the mood and aroma.
- Green tea (lu cha): a refreshing base; for a cold constitution, black tea can be swapped in.
Ingredients (1 pot, about 2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jiaogulan (dried leaf) | 1 tablespoon | Best-quality is tender leaf-buds that open into 5 leaflets; avoid woody stems |
| Rose buds | 8 buds | |
| Green tea | 1 tablespoon | Swap for black tea if cold-natured |
Method
- Place all ingredients in a teapot.
- Rinse once with boiling water and pour it off.
- Pour in fresh boiling water, cover, and let steep for 5 minutes before drinking.
Bro Niu’s tips
Folk wisdom pairs jiaogulan with ginseng for good reason — both are traditionally turned to for tiredness, restful sleep, and clear-headedness. Drinking this about three times a week is plenty. Look for the good-quality leaf that curls up like green tea rather than the twiggy “stem-and-leaf” grade. Note: it is not recommended during pregnancy.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Elle): Can both men and women drink this jiaogulan rose green tea? Can it be taken continuously? Bro Niu: Both men and women can drink it; three times a week is enough.
- Q (Sweetcutecat): Is jiaogulan cooling? Bro Niu: Jiaogulan is cooling in nature, but it has a steadying, fortifying quality — just pair it with some warm-neutral ingredients. Rose is warming. You can use black tea in place of green tea.
- Q (Stephanie): I bought jiaogulan nearby but it looks like dry twigs, nothing like your photo. Is it the same thing? Bro Niu: Good jiaogulan is tender leaf — one steep opens into five “claws.” The stem-and-leaf kind is a lower grade; you can still brew it, just with weaker effect. When buying, ask for the kind that looks like rolled-up green tea leaves.
Published August 3, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
