Rose Flower, Tangerine Cake and Black Date Tea

Why people make this tea

This is a tea for the kind of stomach that tightens when you are stressed — the bloated, slightly nauseated feeling that Chinese medicine describes as “liver invading the stomach” or liver qi not flowing freely into the digestive system. Bro Niu made this particular batch with black dates rather than the more common south dates (nan zao), noting that black dates are similar in therapeutic value to red dates but are less warming and drying, which suits people who are prone to heat symptoms. The addition of rose flowers soothes the liver and moves stagnant qi, while tangerine cake provides a pleasant citrus warmth that settles the stomach. Together they make a tea that is quick to prepare, mildly sweet, and noticeably calming on digestive tension.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for those with stomach ulcers attributed to liver-stomach disharmony: bloating, discomfort after eating, poor appetite, low mood, or irregular periods linked to emotional stress.
• Suitable for people who feel their digestion worsens with stress or anxiety.
• This tea is not a substitute for medical treatment of stomach ulcers. If H. pylori is present, Bro Niu suggests adding a small amount of dried dandelion (pu gong ying) to the tea — it is traditionally associated with antibacterial properties.
• Pregnant women should use this tea cautiously and consult a practitioner.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Rose flowers (mei gui hua): In Chinese herbal medicine, roses are associated with regulating liver qi, calming emotional tension, and moving blood stagnation. Their fragrance has a direct soothing effect on the nervous system and digestive tract.
• Tangerine cake (ju bing): A preserved tangerine product that combines the qi-regulating, phlegm-resolving properties of tangerine peel with a warming, moist quality. Supports digestion and eases nausea and bloating.
• Black dates (hei zao): Very similar in function to red dates — nourishing to qi and blood, calming — but considered less warming, making them preferable for people who tend to feel hot or who are sensitive to the drying effect of red dates.

Ingredients (about 2 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried rosebuds (mei gui hua)	11 g	Rinse briefly; added late in cooking
Tangerine cake (ju bing)	1 piece	Rinse; cut into pieces or leave whole
Black dates (hei zao)	5 pieces	Rinse briefly
Water	4 bowls

Method

1. Rinse the black dates and tangerine cake.
2. Place black dates and tangerine cake in a pot with 4 bowls of water.
3. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Add the rose flowers, stir, and continue to simmer for 5 more minutes.
5. Strain and serve warm; about 2 bowls.

Bro Niu’s tips

• When buying south dates (nan zao) or black dates in the market, be aware of a looser-textured date called horse tooth date (ma ya zao) that is sometimes sold in their place. Horse tooth dates have a smoky smell and a sour flavour; true south dates are sweet and far more effective therapeutically. For this recipe, black dates are used specifically because they are less warming than red dates.
• If you have been diagnosed with H. pylori (the bacteria commonly linked to stomach ulcers), you can add a small amount of dried dandelion (pu gong ying) to this tea — it is associated with antibacterial activity in traditional use.
• This tea can also ease menstrual irregularity linked to emotional stress and liver qi stagnation.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader, newly diagnosed stomach ulcer): I had a stomach ulcer two years ago and still get stomach pain and excess acid. Can I drink this tea? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink this tea. Have you been tested for H. pylori? If that bacteria is present, you can add some dandelion (pu gong ying) to help. And do follow up with your doctor to confirm the cause.

• Q (Man man): A family member had emergency surgery for a perforated stomach three weeks ago. They are now recovering and doctors have allowed fluid foods and soup. What can they drink? Bro Niu: For now, use a simple clear double-boiled chicken broth or clear lean pork broth — organic or free-range chicken, skin removed, with a touch of ginger and no salt. Once appetite improves, you can move to light nourishing soups with Chinese yam (huai shan), lily bulb (bai he), snow fungus (xue er), and dried figs. When there is more appetite, blend the soup into a smooth puree for easier digestion.

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Published April 6, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.