Herbal & Flower Teas
Processed Loranthus Lotus Longan Tea
traditionally nourishes the blood, supports the liver and kidneys, and is associated with a healthy complexion
Why people make this tea
Loranthus — the parasitic plant that grows on mulberry, loquat, and longan trees — is one of Bro Niu’s favourite everyday tonic herbs, and the good news is that it is widely available and very affordable. The processed variety (zhi sang ji sheng) has been steam-treated to reduce any astringency, making for a cleaner, smoother-tasting tea. Combined with lotus seeds and the sweet, rich flavour of dried longan flesh, this becomes a genuinely pleasant drink that the whole family can enjoy. It is traditionally made in three variations depending on the occasion: with eggs and lotus seeds for early pregnancy to support the foetus; with black beans and longan for postpartum recovery; and with just lotus seeds and longan for everyday wellness — which is this version.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for men and women of all ages as a general wellness tea
- Particularly associated with supporting those who experience achy lower back and knees, weak tendons and bones, fatigue, or a dull complexion
- Pregnant women: consume with red dates or south dates (nan zao) instead of longan flesh, as longan is warming
- People prone to heat symptoms (hot flushes, dryness, irritability): replace longan with lily bulb (bai he) 1 liang to make the recipe more neutral
- Do not drink during active colds or flu; wait until recovered
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Processed loranthus (zhi sang ji sheng): Traditionally considered neutral. Associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones, and supporting foetal stability. Because it grows abundantly and can parasitise many different host trees, always purchase from a reputable herb shop.
- Lotus seeds (lian zi): Support digestion and the spleen, calm the mind, and gently tonify. Red lotus seeds are considered more nourishing for the blood than white lotus seeds.
- Dried longan flesh (yuan rou): Warming and sweet. Traditionally associated with nourishing the blood, calming the heart, and supporting the spirit. Those prone to internal heat can substitute south dates (nan zao) instead.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processed loranthus (zhi sang ji sheng) | 75 g (2 liang) | Place in herb bag to keep fine twigs contained |
| Lotus seeds | 75 g (2 liang) | Soak 30 minutes; red lotus seeds preferred for blood nourishment |
| Dried longan flesh (yuan rou) | 37 g (1 liang) | Rinse briefly |
| Brown sugar (hong tang) | to taste | Add at the end |
| Water | 8 bowls (~1.6 L) | — |
Method
- Place the processed loranthus in a herb bag (soup bag) to contain the small leaves and twigs.
- Soak the lotus seeds for 30 minutes; drain.
- Rinse the dried longan flesh.
- Combine all ingredients — loranthus bag, lotus seeds, and longan flesh — in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Add brown sugar to taste, stir until dissolved, and serve.
- Eat the lotus seeds and longan along with the tea for full benefit.
Bro Niu’s tips
Placing the loranthus in a herb bag makes a big difference — the fine leaves and twigs are contained, so you do not have to pick through the lotus seeds and longan pieces to find them. Processed loranthus (zhi sang ji sheng) is available at Chinese herb shops and online. No need to blanch the loranthus — just soak for 30 minutes and discard the soaking water before cooking.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Joey): I get virtual fire flaring before my period, causing insomnia. Will this loranthus tea help? Bro Niu: This tea does help nourish the blood and calm the mind, but it leans a little warming. For your pattern, swap the longan for lily bulb (bai he) 1 liang. You can take it 2 times per week.
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Q (Yi): Can pregnant women drink the processed loranthus version? Bro Niu: Processed loranthus has a foetus-supporting action — pregnant women can drink it. However, pregnant women should not use warming longan; substitute red dates or south dates (5 pieces) instead.
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Q (Meyon): Does the loranthus need to be blanched first? Bro Niu: No blanching needed. Soak for 30 minutes, discard the soaking water, then cook. The processed (zhi) variety available at Chinese herb shops has a milder flavour and is good quality.
Published July 8, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
