Longan, Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb, Black Mulberry and Wheat Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

Anaemia and blood deficiency are surprisingly common, especially among women. Heavy periods are a frequent cause, but crash dieting, restrictive eating, or simply not eating enough iron-rich food can also play a role. The signs can be subtle but telling: a pale or sallow complexion, hair that has lost its lustre and sheds easily, dry skin, brittle nails, breathlessness on exertion, and a general tiredness that doesn’t go away with sleep. During periods, there may be dizziness, headaches, or palpitations. This warming, gently sweet tea addresses these concerns with a group of ingredients that Cantonese food therapy has long used for blood nourishment and calming the nervous system. It is not a replacement for medical treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia, but as a regular wellness tea it is both pleasant and supportive. It is also useful for those with general nervous weakness, forgetfulness, or anxiety.

Method

1. Rinse and soak lotus seeds, lily bulb, and wheat berries separately.
2. Rinse the longan flesh, mulberries, and red dates.
3. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 2.1–2.4 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until reduced to about 1.2 L.
5. Add a small amount of brown sugar, stir to dissolve.
6. Serve warm; eat the soup and all the solids together.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea has a pleasantly sweet, almost dessert-like quality, making it popular with adults and children alike. It can also be served as a light sweet soup. For nervous weakness or forgetfulness, it is particularly helpful. Note for pregnant women: replace longan flesh with 5 southern dates (nan zao), which provide similar nourishment without the warming, stimulating properties of longan that are best avoided in pregnancy.