Hawthorn, Dried Tangerine Peel and Tangerine Cake Tea

Why people make this tea

Milk stasis — a build-up of milk in the ducts — is one of the most common discomforts of early breastfeeding. When the breast feels firm, tender, and lumpy but no fever has developed, warm compresses and gentle massage to express the milk are the first practical steps. Alongside that, this simple three-ingredient tea has been used for generations in Cantonese households to help keep the channels unobstructed and ease the discomfort that comes with the early stages of breast inflammation.

In traditional food therapy, the liver meridian runs through the breast; when qi stagnates in that channel — from stress, engorgement, or irregular feeding — the result is breast tenderness and blocked ducts. Hawthorn, tangerine peel, and tangerine cake are all associated with moving liver qi and breaking up accumulation.

Bro Niu also notes that this tea is useful for people with general liver qi stagnation (mood-related tension, rib-side tightness, stress headaches) — not only breastfeeding mothers.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Nursing mothers with early-stage blocked ducts or mild breast inflammation, without fever
• People with general liver qi stagnation: tension, stress, chest tightness
• If redness, significant swelling, or fever develop, stop relying on food therapy and see a doctor immediately
• Tangerine peel (chen pi) may have a mild milk-reducing effect for some women. If you are concerned about milk supply, substitute fo shou (佛手, finger citron) at 3 qian for the tangerine peel — Bro Niu specifically recommends this swap for nursing mothers

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Hawthorn berry (shan zha): Traditionally used to break up qi and blood accumulation, support digestion, and clear stagnation in the channels. It is sour and warming.
• Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): One of the most versatile ingredients in Chinese food therapy — regulates qi, dries dampness, disperses phlegm, and relieves liver constraint. Note the caution above regarding milk supply.
• Tangerine cake (ju bing): Dried preserved tangerine, traditionally used to soothe the throat and chest, resolve phlegm, and ease congestion. Adds sweetness and a pleasant flavour.

Ingredients (2 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Hawthorn berry, dried (shan zha)	~19 g (5 qian)	Soak and rinse
Dried tangerine peel (chen pi)	2 pieces	Soak and rinse; or substitute fo shou 3 qian for nursing mothers
Tangerine cake (ju bing)	1 piece	Chop finely before cooking

Method

1. Soak and rinse the hawthorn berries and tangerine peel.
2. Chop the tangerine cake into small pieces.
3. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 5 bowls of water (approximately 1.25 litres).
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes until reduced to about 2 bowls.
5. Drink the tea and eat the ingredients.
6. Take for 3 consecutive doses; assess whether discomfort improves.

Bro Niu’s tips

This tea works best for mild, early-stage breast issues in nursing mothers. Before each feeding or milk expression, apply a warm cloth compress to the breast and massage gently — this alone can help move a blockage. If you are concerned about milk supply, swap out the tangerine peel and use fo shou (佛手柑, finger citron) at 3 qian instead — it provides similar qi-moving benefits without the milk-reducing effect, though the taste is slightly more bitter.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Daisy): My daughter has been breastfeeding for two weeks and has a slightly blocked duct. We made your hawthorn, tangerine peel, and tangerine cake brew. But I recall you mentioned tangerine peel can reduce milk supply — is that a concern? Bro Niu: Good thinking. Replace the tangerine peel with fo shou (finger citron) at 3 qian. The taste is a bit more bitter, but it moves qi without the milk-reducing risk.

• Q (Phoebe): My son is just over one month old and I have developed a blocked duct — a firm, painful area on one breast, but no fever. It seems to be improving with better positioning and self-massage. What tea should I drink? Bro Niu: You can make a brew of fo shou (佛手柑, 3 qian), green tangerine peel (qing pi, 2 qian), and one chopped tangerine cake, in 4 bowls of water simmered for 30 minutes. Take 3 to 4 doses. This is gentler and avoids the milk-reducing effect.

• Q (菲菲): I have a stinging pain on one side and the doctor says it is breast inflammation. I am taking medication but it is not improving. Can I drink this tea alongside the medication? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink this tea. Take it at least 2 hours after your medication. Try 3 consecutive doses and see if things improve.

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Published September 18, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.