Rush Pith Poria Spirit Lily Tea

Why people make this tea

Babies and young toddlers sometimes cry through the night without an obvious cause — no fever, no wet diaper, not hungry. In Cantonese food-therapy tradition, this pattern is sometimes attributed to an excess of “heart fire” (xin huo), which is broadly understood as the infant’s nervous system being overstimulated or unsettled. This three-ingredient brew uses very mild herbs — rush pith, poria spirit, and dried lily bulb — and has been used for generations as a calming bedtime drink for unsettled infants. It is considered gentle enough for small babies.

Before using any herbal remedy for an infant, however, first rule out common causes: hunger, gas, teething, overheating, and illness. If a child has a fever or other symptoms, see a doctor before trying food remedies.