Rehmannia, Ophiopogon, and Longan Calming Tea

Why people make this tea

City life brings its share of emotional strain: tightly wound schedules, cramped living spaces, and relentless pressure can all take a toll on emotional resilience. In Chinese medicine, patterns of irritability, mood swings, a tendency to intrude on others’ affairs, and vivid or restless dreams are often linked to insufficient yin — particularly in the heart and kidneys — allowing internal heat to agitate the mind.

Nourilo notes that emotional patterns like these often have roots in both constitution and environment: cultivating an optimistic outlook from an early age is, in his view, the best long-term medicine. But for day-to-day support, this three-ingredient tea — which is pleasantly sweet and not at all heavy in herbal taste — is a simple, accessible brew that gently nourishes yin and calms internal restlessness.

Method

1. Rinse all three ingredients thoroughly.
2. Combine with 1.5 L of water in a pot. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes, until the liquid reduces to approximately 600 ml.
4. Divide into two portions. Drink one bowl in the morning and one in the evening.

Nourilo’s Tips

• The flavour of this tea is naturally sweet and mildly herbal — it is easy to drink and does not require any added sweetener.
• Do not take during an active cold, flu, or any condition with external fever.
• This tea is meant as a daily-use supportive brew, not a replacement for professional care. For serious or persistent mood conditions, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.