Herbal & Flower Teas
Mulberry, Goji and Red Date Tea
Traditionally used to nourish the liver and blood and brighten the eyes
Why people make this tea
Bro Niu bought a bag of candied mulberries and nibbled on them now and then — pleasantly sweet-tart, and traditionally said to nourish the liver and blood. So he pairs them with goji berries and red dates for a tasty, wholesome brew. Mulberry fruit is traditionally associated with supporting the liver and kidneys and nourishing the blood, whether eaten raw, steeped in wine, candied, brewed as tea or simmered in soup. This cup is traditionally turned to for tired eyes, dizziness from blood deficiency, ringing ears, an aching back, and early greying.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with tired or strained eyes, a pale complexion, mild dizziness, or who simply want a gentle daily tea.
- Mulberries are slightly cooling, but balanced here by neutral goji and warm-neutral red dates, so the blend is mild; it can also be enjoyed during menstruation.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Mulberries (sang shen zi): traditionally used to nourish the liver and kidneys and replenish blood and fluids.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): traditionally used to support the liver and brighten the eyes.
- Red dates (hong zao): traditionally used to nourish qi and blood and lend natural sweetness.
Ingredients (1 pot, refillable)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Candied or dried mulberries (sang shen zi) | 3 qian (~11 g) | dried herb-grade also fine |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 3 qian (~11 g) | |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 4–5 | sliced |
Method
- Put all ingredients in a teapot and rinse once with boiling water; discard the rinse.
- Pour in fresh boiling water, cover, and steep about 7 minutes.
- Drink warm; refill until the flavour fades.
Bro Niu’s tips
If you cannot find candied mulberries, buy dried mulberry fruit at a Chinese herb shop. Drunk regularly, this tea is traditionally said to bring a rosy, healthy glow to the face. The steeped mulberries are edible too.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Regen): Mulberry is described online as sweet and cooling — is this tea suitable for a cold constitution? Bro Niu: Mulberry is cooling, but goji is neutral and red dates are warm-neutral, so the blend is very gentle. You can drink it.
- Q (Gin): Can this tea be drunk during menstruation? Bro Niu: Yes, this tea is fine to drink during your period.
- Q (GG): I have diabetes — can I drink this tea? Bro Niu: Replace the red dates with 2 qian of stevia leaf (tian ju ye). Red dates are high in sugar, while stevia leaf is sweet and is associated with helping lower blood sugar; it is sold at floral-tea or some Chinese herb shops.
Published July 2, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
