Herbal & Flower Teas
Mulberry Leaf, Chrysanthemum & Tangerine Peel Tea
traditionally used to support clearing lung heat and soothe the eyes
Why people make this tea
On days when air quality is poor — thick smog, haze, or dust — the lungs feel it first. Bro Niu shares this quick brew as a gentle daily support for those times when the air feels heavy and your throat or eyes feel irritated. The combination of mulberry leaf and chrysanthemum has been used in Chinese culinary tradition for centuries to help the body cope with heat and environmental dryness, while tangerine peel adds a pleasant aromatic note and supports digestion.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most adults and older children, particularly those experiencing eye irritation, mild throat discomfort, or a stuffy feeling in the chest on high-pollution days
- People currently taking Western medication should allow at least 2 hours between the medicine and this tea
- Those with a cold constitution (always feeling chilled, loose stools) should drink in small amounts; the tea leans slightly cooling
- If you have a true fever or persistent symptoms, please see a doctor
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Mulberry leaves (sang ye): In traditional Chinese food therapy, sang ye is considered to clear heat from the lungs and liver, and is associated with soothing red, itchy, or light-sensitive eyes
- Chrysanthemum (ju hua): Often paired with sang ye; traditionally associated with reducing inflammation, supporting liver qi, and easing headaches related to heat
- Licorice root (gan cao): A harmonising herb used in many classic formulas; traditionally thought to clear heat and toxins, and to balance the formula
- Tangerine peel (chen pi): Adds a warm, aromatic character that moderates the cooling nature of the other herbs; traditionally associated with resolving phlegm and aiding digestion
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mulberry leaves (sang ye) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Dried; rinse before use |
| Chrysanthemum flowers (ju hua) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinse before use |
| Licorice root (gan cao) | 1 qian (~4 g) | Rinse before use |
| Dried tangerine peel (chen pi) | 1 piece | Soak briefly, then slice into strips |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients gently under cold water.
- Soak and rinse the tangerine peel, then cut or tear it into thin strips.
- Place all ingredients into a small pot with 3 bowls (approximately 750 ml) of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid reduces to about 2 bowls.
- Strain and serve warm. Drink throughout the day.
Bro Niu’s tips
Beyond clearing lung heat, this tea is particularly good for people whose eyes are prone to irritation, redness, or itching. If you also suffer from nasal allergies, try adding 6 xinyi hua (magnolia buds, Magnolia biondii) to the same pot — it helps with sinus congestion as well. Drink within the day; do not store overnight.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Wing): Can I make this tea for young children, and can I swap the tangerine peel for dried figs? Can I also add chamomile? Bro Niu: Yes, you can add dried figs and chamomile — both are gentle and fine to use.
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Q (reader,熊啤啤): I have a cold, damp constitution and tend toward weight issues. I am worried this tea is too cooling for me — can I still drink it? Bro Niu: Mulberry leaf tea is beneficial. With the addition of licorice root and tangerine peel strips it is not overly cooling. You can drink it 2–3 times per week.
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Q (Liky): Can I drink this while taking cold medicine? Bro Niu: Wait at least 2 hours after taking Western medicine before drinking this tea.
Published August 24, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
