Herbal & Flower Teas
Mulberry, Cornus and Southern Jujube Tea
Traditionally taken to support the liver and kidney in tinnitus from depletion
Why people make this tea
As we age, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) becomes more common, and younger people under heavy work pressure, constant tension and exhaustion can get it too. In traditional thinking, this kind of ringing is often linked to a depleted liver and kidney. Bro Niu brews this fragrant, lightly tart tea to support those organs for people who feel run-down, stressed and low in vitality.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with ringing ears tied to fatigue, stress, low immunity or emotional strain.
- Also traditionally used by those with low kidney energy, blood depletion, dry or tired eyes, or early greying.
- Anyone with excess stomach acid should drink it after meals, as the tea is mildly tart.
- If the ringing lasts several days without improving, please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Mulberry (sang shen): A classic blood-nourishing fruit, traditionally used to support the liver and kidney, calm the mind and help the complexion.
- Cornelian cherry (shan zhu yu): Traditionally associated with anti-ageing support, steadier energy, and supporting memory and stamina.
- Southern jujube (nan zao): Strengthens the spleen, nourishes the blood, supports qi and helps relieve fatigue.
Ingredients (3 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mulberries (sang shen) | ~5 qian (about 19 g) | Rinsed |
| Cornelian cherry (shan zhu yu) | ~5 qian (about 19 g) | Rinsed |
| Southern jujube (nan zao) | 5 | Rinsed |
Method
- Soak and rinse all the ingredients.
- Add to a pot with 5 cups of water and simmer for 20 minutes until reduced to about 3 cups. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
The tea is fragrant with a gentle sourness; you can add a little rock sugar as it simmers. Anyone with excess stomach acid should take it after meals.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Xin): I’ve been sleeping very badly, under 5 hours, very tired from a heavy workload, and the edges of my tongue have been swollen and sore for days — is that liver fire? I also got upsetting news about a relative’s cancer. Would honeysuckle, chrysanthemum and licorice help the tongue pain? Bro Niu: Chronic lack of sleep easily brings up liver fire and heart fire. A red, sore tongue tip points more to heart fire; redness along both edges points more to liver fire. Try self-heal spike (xia ku cao) 5 qian, chrysanthemum 3 qian and mai dong 3 qian, simmered from 5 cups to 2 (add the chrysanthemum near the end), for 3 doses, and see if it improves. You can also simmer half a catty of soybean sprouts with a block of tofu and 2 qian snow fungus and lean pork for about an hour to help clear heart, stomach and liver fire — the whole family can drink it.
- Q (Mani): My 21-month-old still has phlegm after an illness but is too little to cough it up, and monkey-date powder didn’t help. How can I clear the phlegm? Bro Niu: Take one large onion, peel and slice it, place it in a bowl with no water, and steam it over water for half an hour. Press out the onion juice with a spoon and give it to your child. If it helps, give it for 2 more days — it can support clearing phlegm and easing a cough.
- Q (Priscilla): For an elderly father (94, 72 lb, with swallowing difficulty, eating purées) — what nourishing soups would help build him up? Bro Niu: Older people need enough protein and a well-cared-for digestion; whole grains beat polished white rice — try millet, oats, quinoa, buckwheat or three-colour brown rice, cooked with chicken breast, vegetables, pumpkin, carrot and peas into a purée. A blender on the “soy milk” setting makes it smooth and works very well. For a frail constitution, fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and whole grains are actually more beneficial than heavy tonics he may not absorb.
Published May 8, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
