Herbal & Flower Teas
Aged Mulberry Branch, Dried Ginger and Roasted Black-Bean Tea
Traditionally used to unblock the channels and ease joint discomfort
Why people make this tea
Bro Niu knows plenty of old friends whose joints turn achy, stiff or numb when the weather is cold or damp. Traditional thinking holds that “where there is no free flow, there is pain; where flow is restored, the pain eases,” so for the wear-and-tear joint troubles of later years, channel-opening, pain-easing herbs are often used. Aged mulberry branch is traditionally used to ease the stiffness and aches of damp joint conditions and frozen shoulder. Paired with warming dried ginger and roasted black bean, this tea is especially helpful for joint complaints in their early stages.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Good for older people whose joints ache and stiffen in cold, damp weather, particularly when the discomfort is just starting.
- Persistent or worsening joint problems should be checked by a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Aged mulberry branch (lao sang zhi): traditionally used to unblock the channels and ease stiff, achy joints; contains compounds associated with calming inflammation.
- Dried ginger (gan jiang): warming, traditionally dispelling cold.
- Roasted green-kernel black beans (qing ren hei dou): traditionally support the kidney and reduce water retention; rich in anthocyanins, associated with antioxidant support and the liver and eyes.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aged mulberry branch | 2 tbsp | Rinsed |
| Dried ginger | 5 slices | Rinsed |
| Roasted green-kernel black beans | 1 tbsp | Pre-roasted |
Method
- Rinse all the ingredients.
- Put everything into a pot with 4 bowls of water.
- Boil 20 minutes until reduced to 2 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Green-kernel black beans traditionally support the kidney and reduce swelling, and they’re high in anthocyanins for antioxidant support. To prepare your own: rinse, drain, then dry-roast in a flat pan over low heat for about 12 minutes until the skins split and they are cooked through; store and use as needed.
Published January 26, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
