Magnolia Bud, Cocklebur & Spring Onion Tea

Why people make this tea

Nasal allergies are remarkably common in dense urban environments — the combination of air pollution, dust mites, and sudden temperature swings creates the perfect storm for a reactive nose. The key ingredient here, xin yi hua (magnolia flower bud), contains volatile oils that have a well-documented vasoconstricting effect on the nasal mucosa: they help shrink swollen tissue inside the nose, reduce the constant drip of mucus, and ease the postnasal drip that triggers secondary coughing. Nourilo has also shared a traditional folk remedy for those who want something more direct: crush 20–30 cocklebur seeds and simmer them gently in sesame oil, then strain and cool; apply the infused oil to the inside of the nostrils with a cotton bud twice daily for acute attacks of nasal congestion.

For this tea, the formula changes slightly depending on whether the rhinitis is wind-cold type (clear, watery discharge, tendency to sneeze in the morning) or wind-heat type (thick, yellowish discharge, more nasal pressure). For wind-cold: use spring onion whites. For wind-heat: swap in fresh peppermint leaves.