Herbal & Flower Teas
Mulberry, Chrysanthemum, Honeysuckle and Astragalus Tea
Traditionally clears wind-heat and soothes itchy, red eyes
Why people make this tea
Bro Niu notes that sensitive children don’t only get itchy skin or touchy airways — their eyes can react too, turning red, puffy, and itchy as soon as they meet something irritating. This tea blends cooling flowers with a little supportive astragalus, traditionally used to ease wind-heat and soothe red, itchy, swollen eyelids. It is mild enough that even a delicate child can take it.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Children with seasonal eye sensitivity — redness, puffy lids, itchiness; gentle even for weaker constitutions.
- For adults, the cicada moulting and fang feng can go up to ~11 g (3 qian) each.
- If a lump on the lid does not clear after a few servings, it may be a sty; see a Chinese medicine practitioner.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Mulberry leaf (sang ye): traditionally used to disperse wind and brighten the eyes; tender leaf is fragrant and best.
- Chrysanthemum (ju hua): a classic for soothing hot, irritated eyes.
- Honeysuckle (jin yin hua): cooling, associated with clearing heat.
- Cicada moulting and fang feng (chan tui, fang feng): traditionally used to dispel wind and ease itch.
- Astragalus (bei qi): a gentle supportive tonic that balances the cooling herbs.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tender mulberry leaf | ~11 g | ordinary mulberry leaf is fine |
| Chrysanthemum | ~11 g | |
| Honeysuckle | ~11 g | |
| Licorice | ~4 g | |
| Cicada moulting | ~4 g | |
| Astragalus | ~11 g | |
| Fang feng | ~7 g | |
| Water | 4 bowls |
Method
- Soak and rinse all the ingredients.
- Add 4 bowls of water and simmer about 40 minutes down to 2 bowls.
- Serve. Can be taken for 5 days.
Bro Niu’s tips
Tender mulberry leaf is fragrant and good at dispersing wind and brightening the eyes; ordinary mulberry leaf also works. This tea is mild enough even for a weaker child. The leftover tea leaves (mulberry, chrysanthemum, honeysuckle) can be wrapped in a cloth and pressed warm — not hot — over the eyes for extra comfort.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (cat): For adults, should the amounts be increased? Bro Niu: For adults, the cicada moulting and fang feng can each go up to 3 qian (~11 g).
- Q (Yvonne): I’ve tried it a few times with improvement, but there’s still a little lump on the lid like a bug bite that won’t go away. Bro Niu: That sounds like a sty. If food therapy can’t clear it, you may need a Chinese medicine consult. Try a few more servings, and pressing the warm tea-leaf bag (mulberry, chrysanthemum, honeysuckle) over the eyes can help.
- Q (Yi): My 12-year-old daughter has sensitive eyes and nose — can she drink this if she often has cold hands and feet? Bro Niu: Yes, she can drink this tea; you can also make warming soups, like ginger and red-date water, twice a week to help.
Published June 7, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
