Longan and Black Goji Berry Tea (Yuan Rou Hei Qi Zi Cha)

Why people make this tea

Some people — especially those who tend to be pale, tired, or constitutionally fragile — experience a particular kind of disturbed sleep: waking from vivid nightmares, heart pounding, a feeling of lingering dread in the chest. In the Chinese tradition this is associated with a pattern called “heart blood insufficiency” — the heart lacks the nourishment it needs to anchor the spirit through the night. Longan flesh has been used for centuries as one of the premier sweet tonics for the heart and spleen. Black goji berries, richer in anthocyanins than the common red variety, add an antioxidant dimension and are traditionally associated with supporting the blood and improving circulation and vision. Together they make a tea that is delicious enough to drink every evening as a small ritual of self-care.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• People who are pale, easily tired, and prone to nightmare-interrupted sleep or difficulty staying asleep
• Suitable for long-term regular drinking as a gentle daily tonic
• Can be consumed during menstruation
• People with active colds, fever, body inflammation, or infections should pause and resume after recovery
• Pregnant women: replace longan with 4 nan zao (black dates) and continue using black goji berries
• Children: suitable in small amounts; reduce quantity to 5 longan pieces and half a tablespoon of black goji berries

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Dried longan flesh (yuan rou): Sweet, warm, and deeply nourishing. One of the classic Chinese tonic ingredients for the heart and spleen, traditionally associated with calming the spirit, easing anxiety and palpitations, and building blood. Best consumed in the evening.
• Black goji berries (hei qi zi): The black variety of wolfberry contains significantly higher anthocyanin content than the common red goji. Traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys, building blood, improving circulation, and brightening eyesight. Also considered to support skin and slow cellular ageing.

Ingredients (1–2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried longan flesh (yuan rou)	10 pieces
Black goji berries (hei qi zi)	1 tablespoon (~5 g)
Hot water (just off the boil)	200–250 ml

Method

1. Place longan flesh and black goji berries in a teapot or mug.
2. Pour a small amount of boiling water over them, swirl briefly, and discard this first rinse.
3. Pour fresh hot water (just off the boil) over the ingredients.
4. Steep for 10 minutes.
5. Drink and then refill with hot water for a second infusion.

Bro Niu’s tips

This tea is naturally fragrant and sweet — no added sugar needed. It can be enjoyed long-term as a gentle daily tonic. It is especially pleasant in the evening before bed. The black goji berries will turn the water an eye-catching purple-blue colour as they steep. People with an active cold, fever, or inflammation of any kind should wait until fully recovered before resuming.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Mag): I have been dreaming every night for months, waking exhausted, and recently developed shingles. I also have chronic neck and shoulder pain, which means inflammation — so can I drink this tea if it says “no inflammation”? Bro Niu: For chronic neck and shoulder tension, kudzu root soup helps as a separate approach. For the nighttime restlessness and dreams, try wheat berry (xiao mai mi) — 1 liang, with roasted licorice 2 qian, poria with heart (fu shen) 5 qian, lily bulb 1 liang, and red dates 5 pieces; cook in 6 bowls of water down to 2 bowls, three consecutive days.

• Q (Liza): Can I drink black goji berry tea during my period? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink this tea during your period.

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Published October 8, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.