Chamomile and Goji Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

Chamomile is probably the best-known calming herb in the Western world — it has been used for centuries to ease tension and prepare the body for sleep. What many people do not realise is that German chamomile, in particular, has a broader range of traditionally documented uses: supporting healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, easing respiratory discomfort from colds, and soothing sore muscles and headaches. Bro Niu pairs it with goji berries because the two complement each other beautifully — chamomile calms and cools while goji nourishes the liver and eyes, making this a particularly good combination for people who spend hours in front of a computer. Among the varieties Bro Niu has tried, he finds German chamomile to have a gentler, slightly sweet flavour compared to Roman chamomile, and it tends to be free of the mould problems that affect the cheaper domestic-grown varieties.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suits people with mild anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, eye fatigue, or frequent headaches linked to tension or screen use.
• Also associated with supporting healthy blood sugar levels and cardiovascular wellness when consumed regularly.
• People with wrist tendinitis (de Quervain’s or carpal tunnel type) may also find it helpful based on traditional use.
• Not suitable for pregnant women.
• Drink about 3 times per week rather than daily. For sleep support, drink 1–2 hours before bedtime.
• Those who prefer not to lower blood pressure further can add a few slices of red date (hong zao) to the brew.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• German chamomile (yang gan ju): Contains apigenin and other compounds studied for their calming, anti-inflammatory, and gentle muscle-relaxing effects. In Western herbalism it is most associated with sleep support; in traditional Chinese food therapy, the flower is also considered to ease liver-heat and brighten the eyes.
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): One of the most celebrated ingredients in Chinese food therapy. Rich in zeaxanthin and betaine, goji is traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys, protecting vision, and supporting healthy blood sugar regulation. Eating the plump steeped berries after drinking the tea maximises their benefit.

Ingredients (1 pot / 1–2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
German chamomile flowers	1 tablespoon	Domestic Chinese variety is cheaper but prone to mould; German is preferred
Goji berries	2 tablespoons	Eat the berries after steeping

Method

1. Place chamomile flowers and goji berries in a teapot or heatproof mug.
2. Pour a small amount of just-boiled water over the ingredients and immediately discard this first rinse (this cleans the ingredients and opens the petals).
3. Pour in fresh boiling water to fill the pot or mug.
4. Steep for 5 minutes, then pour and drink.
5. The same ingredients can be steeped two or three more times. Eat the goji berries once the liquid is finished.

Bro Niu’s tips

For sleep difficulties, drink this tea 1–2 hours before bedtime rather than right before lying down. A frequency of 3 times per week is enough — there is no need to drink it every day. Note that chamomile and chrysanthemum (ju hua) are different herbs with different properties and cannot be used interchangeably. If you cannot find German chamomile locally, look for it in health food shops or online; it is widely available in Western countries. If you prefer not to have any blood-pressure-lowering effect, stir in a few pieces of sliced red date when steeping.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Daphne, Florida, USA): What is the English name for this chamomile? I have regular chrysanthemum flowers at home. Bro Niu: German chamomile, scientifically Matricaria chamomilla. Chrysanthemum (Chinese ju hua) and chamomile have different properties and are not interchangeable, though both support eye health to some degree.

• Q (阿妹): Can this be drunk every day? Is it fine during menstruation? Bro Niu: No need to drink it every day — about 3 times a week is fine. It can be drunk during your period.

• Q (reader): Can I add sugar to the tea? Bro Niu: If you do not have diabetes, a small amount of rock sugar is fine.

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Published October 6, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.