Herbal & Flower Teas
Tender Mulberry Shoot, Ophiopogon and Apricot Kernel Tea
Traditionally used to nourish yin, moisten the lungs and soothe dryness
Why people make this tea
Bro Niu had half a bag of tender mulberry shoots left over from making a fragrant, light tea, and with a spell of dry weather he reached for ophiopogon and apricot kernels to round it out. This brew is traditionally used to nourish yin, cool the lungs and ease the dryness behind a tickly dry cough and a parched nose and mouth.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with a dry cough, dry nose and mouth from dry weather
- Gentle enough that the whole family can share it
- Not suitable for a cold-type cough from wind-chill (wai gan feng han)
- Apricot kernels must be cooked; use the stated modest amount only
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Tender mulberry shoots (nen sang ya): traditionally associated with clearing lung-heat; mulberry leaf can stand in if shoots are unavailable.
- Ophiopogon (mai dong): a classic yin-nourishing herb said to moisten the lungs, ease an agitated heart and generate fluids.
- Apricot kernels (nan/bei xing): traditionally used to moisten the lungs and quiet a cough.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tender mulberry shoots (nen sang ya) | ~11 g / 3 qian | or mulberry leaf |
| Ophiopogon (mai dong) | ~19 g / 5 qian | |
| Sweet & bitter apricot kernels | ~19 g / 5 qian |
Method
- Soak and rinse the ingredients.
- First simmer the ophiopogon and apricot kernels in water for 20 minutes.
- Add the tender mulberry shoots and simmer about 5 more minutes. Serve as a tea.
Bro Niu’s tips
If the cough is dry with sticky phlegm and the throat feels rough, you can add a little honey. The whole family can drink it. No tender mulberry shoots on hand? Use mulberry leaf instead. Skip this tea for a cold-type cough from wind-chill.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (erica): What does ophiopogon (mai dong) do? Bro Niu: Mai dong is traditionally used to nourish yin and moisten the lungs, ease a restless heart, and generate fluids in the stomach. It is a yin-supporting herb suited to weak heart-qi and deficient heat in the heart and lungs.
- Q (Daphne): My children had bronchitis; they’re better now but still cough with phlegm. What soup helps clear phlegm? Bro Niu: You can steam a snow pear soup with ground fritillary (chuan bei mo) and a small piece of dried tangerine peel, sweetened with a little rock sugar. Or simmer fresh sabah snake grass leaf, monk fruit and apricot kernels with apples and lean pork.
- Q (yuki): I’m 23 weeks pregnant with a cough and a slightly sore, itchy throat. What can I make? Bro Niu: You can brew a tea of 2 dark plums (wu mei), a small pinch of chrysanthemum, 4–5 slices of licorice and a small wedge of monk fruit to help ease the cough.
Published November 28, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
