Herbal & Flower Teas
Schisandra, Goji and Black Mulberry Tea
Traditionally nourishes the liver and supports the eyes
Why people make this tea
In Korean supermarkets you will see bottled or foil-packed schisandra concentrate, since Korea produces a lot of schisandra. Bro Niu notes it is traditionally regarded as helpful for people who feel anxious, sleep poorly with many dreams, or have a nervous, run-down feeling — and it is handy to carry to work. But it is pricey, so if you plan to take it for a while, it is more practical to buy schisandra at a herb shop and brew your own. Steeped with black mulberry and goji, it makes a tea traditionally associated with nourishing the liver, supporting the eyes and easing tiredness.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for those who feel tired, anxious or low, with pale complexion or weakness from deficient blood
- Cautions: NOT suitable for pregnant women or those with excess stomach acid
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Schisandra (wu wei zi): Traditionally regarded as supporting liver health, easing fatigue, and supporting the nervous and cardiovascular systems, with antioxidant qualities.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and supporting the eyes.
- Black mulberry (sang shen zi): Traditionally regarded as nourishing the blood and supporting yin.
Ingredients (1 pot, rebrewable)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schisandra berries | 1 tbsp | |
| Goji berries | 1 tbsp | |
| Black mulberries | 1 tbsp |
Method
- Place all three ingredients in a teapot and rinse once with boiling water.
- Pour in fresh boiling water and steep, covered, for 10 minutes. Drink.
- Rebrew until the flavor fades.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is sweet with a touch of sourness and is traditionally associated with supporting failing eyesight. It also suits those with deficient blood, a weak constitution, pale complexion, anxiety, low mood or fatigue. But it is not suitable for pregnant women or those with excess stomach acid.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Syu): Can I drink something to help pass gallstones? Bro Niu: Freshly pressed apple juice traditionally helps with gallstones, but you must press fresh apples and finish it within 10 minutes of juicing for the benefit.
- Q (anonymous reader): What is good to drink day to day for high cholesterol? Bro Niu: You can boil hawthorn with apple, or steep hawthorn with chrysanthemum and stir-fried cassia seed as tea; both are traditionally associated with lowering cholesterol. Tartary buckwheat tea is another option and comes in ready-made teabags.
Published February 28, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
