Herbal & Flower Teas
Sour Jujube Seed, Biota Seed, Black Sesame and Longan Tea
Traditionally nourishes the blood, supports the mind and calms
Why people make this tea
Bro Niu here. As we age, mental sharpness can slowly fade, and if an older family member starts to show signs of decline it is worth paying attention early. Experts say one of the simplest things you can do is spend time talking with them every day — even ten minutes and a handful of sentences of genuine interest can make a difference, because an older person’s emotional wellbeing leans a great deal on the company of family. And starting from middle age, it helps to eat foods traditionally associated with a sharp mind — nuts, blueberries, beans, chicken, fish, dark leafy greens. Today’s tea is one I recommend for memory and a settled mind, traditionally enjoyed by people who are forgetful or sleep restlessly.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who feel forgetful or sleep restlessly at night
- Best enjoyed about an hour before bed
- If forgetfulness is a particular concern, you can add some walnut kernels
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Sour jujube seed (suan zao ren): Traditionally one of the classic ingredients for calming the mind and supporting restful sleep.
- Biota seed (bai zi ren): Traditionally associated with nourishing the heart and settling the spirit.
- Black sesame (hei zhi ma): Traditionally used to nourish the blood and support the mind.
- Longan (yuan rou): Traditionally associated with nourishing the blood and calming the spirit.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sour jujube seed | 3 qian (~11 g) | Soak and rinse |
| Biota seed | 3 qian (~11 g) | Soak and rinse |
| Black sesame | 5 qian (~18 g) | Soak and rinse |
| Dried longan | 5 qian (~18 g) | Soak and rinse |
Method
- Soak and rinse the ingredients.
- Cook in 4 bowls of water for half an hour, reducing to 2 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is fragrant and is best enjoyed about an hour before sleep. If you are especially forgetful, you can add some walnut kernels while cooking.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (karen): Is this soup suitable for someone who has just had a stroke and also has cognitive decline? My father has been quiet since his stroke and has had ongoing decline. Bro Niu: Yes, someone with a recent stroke and cognitive decline can have this. You might also consider trying acupuncture, which can be helpful for people soon after a stroke.
- Q (小甫猫): Can I add apple, fig or honey dates to the four-spirits soup to sweeten it for children? Bro Niu: Yes — you can add apple, fig, honey dates, or carrot and corn, to the four-spirits soup for children.
Published August 15, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
