Whole Lotus Seed and Juncus Herb Tea

Why people make this tea

When a baby or young child wakes repeatedly through the night, crying without obvious cause — no wet diaper, no hunger, no fever — traditional Cantonese food therapy points toward internal heat in the Heart meridian. One helpful sign to check: is the child’s urine noticeably yellow and scanty? If so, Bro Niu suggests this gentle tea as a time-honored way to help settle and soothe. The lotus seed’s green inner embryo (the part many people remove because it tastes bitter) is actually the key ingredient here — it is traditionally valued for clearing heat and calming the spirit. Juncus herb, a thin rush-plant sold in small tied bundles at Chinese herb shops, pairs beautifully with it to support the same purpose.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for infants and young children showing nighttime restlessness with signs of internal heat (yellow urine, flushed cheeks, general irritability)
• Can be given as a formula-opening tea (kai nai cha) for nursing infants: dilute with an equal part of water at first, then gradually move to full strength
• If the child has an active fever, please see a doctor before using any home remedy
• Babies under three months: use with caution and consult a healthcare provider

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Whole lotus seed with embryo (you xin lian zi): The green sprout inside the lotus seed is prized in traditional food therapy for clearing heat from the Heart and calming the spirit. It also has mild diuretic properties. When a child has had a recent fever and residual internal heat remains, leaving the embryo in makes the seed significantly more effective for settling the mind.
• Juncus pith herb (deng xin cao): These slender dried rush stems are cooling in nature and are traditionally associated with clearing Heart heat, calming agitation, and supporting healthy urination. They are very mild and well-suited to young children.

Ingredients (1–2 small servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Whole lotus seeds with embryo (you xin lian zi)	37 g (1 liang)	Do not remove the green inner sprout — that is the active part. Gently crack or score them before cooking. Fresh lotus seeds also work well; use the same amount.
Juncus pith herb bundles (deng xin cao)	6 to 8 small bundles	Available at Chinese herb shops in small tied bundles
Water	4 rice bowls (approx. 800 ml)

Method

1. Rinse the lotus seeds and juncus herb bundles under running water to remove any dust.
2. Gently crack or lightly score the lotus seeds with a knife or flat side of a cleaver so the inner embryo can release its compounds into the water.
3. Combine lotus seeds and juncus herb in a small pot with 4 bowls of water.
4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes, until roughly 2 bowls remain.
5. Strain and allow to cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Bro Niu’s tips

• If you cannot find lotus seeds with the embryo intact, use ordinary halved lotus seeds and add 3 qian (about 11 g) of ophiopogon root (mai dong) to compensate.
• Fresh lotus seeds are available at Chinese or Asian grocers in season; simply slice them open to expose the embryo — fresh seeds need only the same amount by weight.
• The lotus seed’s skin (the reddish-brown coating) is traditionally said to help settle “floating fire” in the Heart and Stomach. Seeds with a darker red skin are preferred.
• A small piece of golden monk fruit (luo han guo) — about one-eighth — can be added to naturally sweeten the tea for children who resist the mild bitter note.
• This tea also helps ease agitation from a high fever. For a child who continues to sleep poorly over several weeks, please consult a doctor to rule out other causes.
• Aim for 3 consecutive days (doses) to see whether sleep improves; children may need 4 to 5 doses to fully clear any heat.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Rainbow): My seven-month-old baby wakes every one to two hours and is very agitated. How should I use this? Bro Niu: Your baby may have heat in the Heart meridian. Try using 15 g (5 qian) lily bulb (bai he), 15 g whole lotus seeds, and 6 bundles of juncus herb, simmered in 5 bowls of water for 40 minutes. Use the liquid as a formula-opening tea. Continue for 3 doses.

• Q (anonymous reader): Do I need to crack the lotus seeds open before cooking? Bro Niu: Yes, it is best to crack them first so the embryo can release properly. If you have fresh lotus seeds, slicing them open with a knife works even better.

• Q (Ceci): My two daughters (ages 5 and 11 months) both recovered from COVID recently. The older one wakes two or three times a night, the younger one wakes very frequently crying. Can they both drink this? Bro Niu: You can add 1 liang of lily bulb (bai he) and cook together. Both girls can drink it — it will help clear the Heart heat and calm them. Adjust the cooking water to 5 bowls and simmer for 40 minutes.

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Published November 29, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.