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.

Nourilo 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.

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 1.5 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes until reduced to about 600 ml.
5. Drink the tea and eat the ingredients.
6. Take for 3 consecutive doses; assess whether discomfort improves.

Nourilo’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 11 g instead — it provides similar qi-moving benefits without the milk-reducing effect, though the taste is slightly more bitter.