Herbal & Flower Teas
Apple Blossom, Wolfberry, and Honey Tea
traditionally associated with nourishing blood, supporting eye comfort, and brightening skin
Why people make this tea
Bro Niu came across apple blossoms at a small flower-tea shop and was immediately drawn in — partly by the name, partly by the delicate white trumpet-shaped petals and their sweet, clean fragrance. Apple blossom is not yet widely known in Western herbal tradition, but in Chinese flower-tea culture it has a growing following for its gentle association with blood nourishment and skin brightening. Paired with wolfberries — one of the most familiar Chinese superfoods in the Western world — and a spoonful of good honey, this tea makes a lovely, restorative afternoon drink that is easy to prepare anywhere.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits: adults looking for a light eye-supporting or skin-brightening daily tea; those who spend long hours staring at screens
- Safe for pregnant women (honey and wolfberries are both traditionally considered acceptable in pregnancy, per the Q&A)
- Safe while breastfeeding
- Caution: do not give honey to children under 12 months old
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Apple blossoms (ping guo hua): Contain apple polyphenols (phlorizin), which are associated in research with inhibiting melanin production — supporting the traditional claim of skin brightening. In Chinese flower-tea tradition they are also associated with nourishing blood and supporting eye clarity.
- Wolfberries / goji berries (gou qi zi): One of the most widely researched Chinese food-therapy ingredients. Traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys, brightening the eyes, and supporting overall vitality. Rich in the antioxidant zeaxanthin, which is linked to macular health.
- Honey (feng mi): Naturally moistening; supports digestion and adds a gentle sweetness that complements the floral fragrance of the apple blossom.
Ingredients (1 pot / 1–2 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried apple blossoms (ping guo hua) | 2 tsp | Available at Chinese herbal tea shops |
| Wolfberries / goji berries (gou qi zi) | 2 tsp | |
| Honey (feng mi) | To taste | Add after steeping, not during boiling |
| Hot water | 1 mug (~250–300 ml) | Just off the boil |
Method
- Place apple blossoms and wolfberries in a teapot or heatproof cup.
- Pour a small amount of boiling water over them, swirl briefly, and discard this first rinse (to clean the flowers).
- Pour fresh boiling water over the ingredients, filling the pot or cup.
- Steep for 5 minutes with the lid on.
- Stir in honey to taste and serve. The tea can be steeped again once or twice until the flavour fades. Eat the wolfberries after finishing the tea for full benefit.
Bro Niu’s tips
- Apple blossom can be combined with other flowers for different effects: pair with rose and jasmine to support emotional balance and skin brightness; pair with bitter orange flower (dai dai hua) and rose to support mood and hormonal balance.
- Good quality pure honey is highly versatile — it works in flower teas, cooked dishes, preserves, and as a straight drink. Bro Niu recommends sourcing raw, pure honey when possible.
- Eat the steeped wolfberries after you finish the tea — the full nutritional benefit comes from consuming the berries, not just the infused water.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Cindylabb): Can pregnant women consume honey and wolfberries? Bro Niu: Honey and wolfberries are fine for pregnant women — no problem at all.
-
Q (Angel): Can a nursing mother drink flower teas? Bro Niu: Flower teas are fine while breastfeeding — no problem.
Published June 18, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
