Rose Petal & Astragalus Tea

Why people make this tea

Spring is the season of growth and movement — Chinese medicine associates it with the liver, which governs the smooth flow of qi and emotion. When the liver’s qi stagnates (often through stress, frustration, or emotional suppression), the result is that all-too-familiar combination: fatigue, irritability, tightness in the chest, and a low or flat mood. Modern research increasingly confirms that chronic negative emotions disrupt the neuro-endocrine system and suppress immune function — which is precisely what traditional food therapy has been addressing for centuries. This tea is Nourilo’s simple daily prescription for spring: astragalus root to firm up and replenish qi, rose petals to gently move and soothe liver qi, and a tea bag to anchor the blend. It takes five minutes to prepare and works well as an office desk companion throughout the day.

Method

1. Place astragalus slices and rose petals in a teapot or heatproof mug.
2. Pour boiling water over to rinse once; discard this first rinse.
3. Add the tea bag and pour in fresh boiling water.
4. Steep for 5–10 minutes.
5. Remove tea bag and drink warm. You can re-steep with fresh boiling water until the flavour is exhausted.

Nourilo’s Tips

• Sliced astragalus (yuan qie pian) brews much more efficiently than whole sticks for tea; whole sticks are better for soups.
• If you are sensitive to caffeine or prefer not to use tea bags, simply omit — the tea works well without it.
• For those with qi-blood deficiency who want to enhance the effect: add 2–3 small slices of astragalus plus 4 pitted red dates to the brew. This provides both qi and blood nourishment.
• For liver qi stagnation causing stomach upset when stressed: combine rose petals with albizzia flowers (he huan hua) — the combination is excellent for smoothing liver qi and settling the stomach.