Herbal & Flower Teas
Sea Polygonatum Pearl Oyster Shell Goji Chrysanthemum Tea
traditionally used to nourish yin, support eye health, and ease symptoms associated with cataract and diabetes
Why people make this tea
Cataracts tend to develop gradually, and in the period before surgery — or for those managing the early stages — many people in the Cantonese tradition turn to food therapy as a way to nourish the eyes and support overall vitality. This four-ingredient tea was designed with exactly that in mind: sea polygonatum to moisten and nourish, pearl oyster shell for its traditionally calming and liver-supporting properties, and the classic pairing of goji and chrysanthemum, which is one of the best-known eye-support combinations in Chinese herbal cooking.
The tea is also a practical choice for people with diabetes, who may have eye-related concerns associated with that condition.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for older adults, people with early-stage cataracts (before or after surgery), and those with diabetes-related eye concerns.
- People with diabetes can take this tea regularly.
- Chrysanthemum is mildly cooling — people with a pronounced cold constitution may prefer to reduce the chrysanthemum quantity slightly.
- Pearl oyster shell is available from Chinese herbal medicine shops and requires simmering first to extract its properties.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Sea polygonatum (hai yu zhu): A relative of the well-known Chinese herb huang jing (Polygonatum sibiricum), sea polygonatum is milder and has a pleasant taste. Traditionally associated with nourishing yin, moistening dryness, and supporting the kidneys and spleen. When cooked, it gives the tea a pleasant colour, unlike huang jing which turns the broth very dark.
- Pearl oyster shell (zhen zhu mu): The inner shell of a freshwater pearl oyster, used in Chinese traditional medicine for centuries. Traditionally associated with calming the liver, settling the spirit, and supporting eye clarity. It must be simmered for a longer time to extract its properties — add it to the pot first.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Probably the most widely known Chinese food-therapy ingredient in the West. Traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys, supporting eyesight, and building overall vitality. A classic pairing with chrysanthemum for eye support.
- Chrysanthemum (ju hua): A fragrant flower used extensively in Chinese herbal cooking and everyday teas. Traditionally associated with clearing heat from the liver, brightening the eyes, and easing visual fatigue.
Ingredients (2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea polygonatum (hai yu zhu) | 19 g (5 qian) | Rinsed |
| Pearl oyster shell (zhen zhu mu) | 19 g (5 qian) | Available at herbal medicine shops; simmer first |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 11 g (3 qian) | Added late |
| Chrysanthemum flowers (ju hua) | 11 g (3 qian) | Added late |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients.
- Place the pearl oyster shell and sea polygonatum in a pot with 5 bowls (about 1.25 litres) of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer for 20 minutes, until the liquid reduces to about 2.5 bowls.
- Add the goji berries and chrysanthemum flowers. Continue to simmer for a further 10 minutes.
- Pour through a strainer and serve warm. Rock sugar may be added if desired.
Bro Niu’s tips
Huang jing (the standard Solomon’s seal herb) can be substituted for sea polygonatum if needed — the therapeutic properties are similar — but the resulting tea will be very dark in colour, which some people find less appealing. Sea polygonatum gives a much more attractive, amber-toned brew. Pearl oyster shell is found at Chinese herbal medicine shops and is quite inexpensive; do not skip it, as it is the ingredient that contributes the calming, liver-supporting quality to the tea.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Ling): Where can I buy pearl oyster shell (zhen zhu mu)? Bro Niu: Pearl oyster shell is available at Chinese herbal medicine shops (zhong yao dian).
Published August 16, 2013 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
