Rose Honey-Date Tea

Why people make this tea

In summer the sun is strong, and fair-skinned women in particular tend to develop freckles — so Bro Niu always reminds readers to be diligent with sun protection at midday. Rose is traditionally associated with supporting the liver and stomach, regulating menstruation and brightening the complexion. Bro Niu likes to brew French pink roses in warm honey-date water; it’s clear, gently sweet, and pleasant to drink regularly for a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suits women wanting a light, fragrant floral tea; it is also traditionally seen as helpful for irregular menstruation.
• Not suitable during pregnancy. During your period, drink only in small amounts.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• French pink roses (fen hong mei gui): Traditionally used to support the liver and stomach, regulate menstruation, activate the blood and brighten the skin.
• Honey dates (mi zao): Add natural sweetness and a smooth, rounded flavour to the tea.

Ingredients (1 pot)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
French pink rosebuds	6–7 buds
Honey dates	4	Good quality

Method

1. Simmer the honey dates in 2 bowls of water for about 5 minutes.
2. Let the honey-date water cool slightly, then pour it into a teapot over the rosebuds.
3. Cover and steep for 5–6 minutes, then serve.

Bro Niu’s tips

Choose honey dates that are purely sweet, thick-fleshed, soft (not hard) on the bite, dry and non-sticky, with a bright yellow colour. This tea is also traditionally regarded as helpful for irregular menstruation — but it is not suitable during pregnancy.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader): Is it true that people with yin-deficiency heat should not drink rose tea? If so, what can I add to soften its heat? Bro Niu: For yin-deficiency heat, add 1/6 of a luo han guo (monk fruit) when you steep it.

• Q (june): You sometimes use red roses and sometimes pink roses — do they have the same effect? Bro Niu: Red rose is more for regulating menstruation, relieving stagnation, and clearing fat/toxins; pink rose supports the liver and stomach, regulates menstruation, activates the blood and nourishes the complexion. Both help with menstrual regulation. French pink rose is more fragrant, so use a little less when steeping.

• Q (ling): I get cold hands and feet every winter and sleep poorly, waking several times a night. Can I add American ginseng to the rose tea? Bro Niu: You can pair rose with 5–6 dried longan instead — that nourishes the blood and supports sleep. Soaking your feet in warm water before bed also helps you rest.

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Published June 30, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.