Spatholobus Stem (Ji Xue Teng) & Red Date Tea

Why people make this tea

Spatholobus suberectus — ji xue teng in Chinese — is a climbing vine whose dried stem, when sliced and boiled, releases a rich, dark reddish-brown liquid that looks remarkably like blood. That vivid colour, along with the plant’s long history in traditional medicine, is why it became associated with blood-nourishing therapy. It is warm in nature, nourishing and activating at the same time — meaning it both builds blood and helps move it, making it useful for conditions where blood is deficient and sluggish. Combined with a substantial quantity of red dates — 20 pieces rather than the usual 6–8 — the blood-nourishing effect is considerably strengthened. This tea must be cooked for at least 90 minutes, not merely steeped, for the active components to be fully released.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Traditionally used for anemia, low platelet count, pallid or sallow complexion, pale nails and lips, irregular or absent periods (where blood deficiency is the cause), limb numbness, and general fatigue from blood deficiency
• A mild and warming remedy suitable for ongoing use once or twice weekly
• Note: always use alongside medical treatment for serious blood conditions; this is a food-therapy supplement, not a replacement for care

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Spatholobus stem (ji xue teng): Warm, sweet in flavour. In Chinese medicine it is considered to nourish blood and activate blood circulation simultaneously — a combination that is useful for both deficiency and stagnation. Traditionally associated with improving anemia, raising platelet counts, relieving limb numbness, and regulating menstruation. Must be cooked (not just steeped) for sufficient duration to release its properties.
• Red dates (hong zao): A classic blood and qi tonic, used in large quantity here (20 pieces rather than the usual handful) to significantly reinforce the blood-nourishing action. For those prone to heat or irritation from red dates, southern dates (nan zao) can be substituted.

Ingredients (2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Spatholobus stem (ji xue teng)	38 g	Rinse; available at Chinese herb shops
Red dates	20 pieces	Rinse; pit them if preferred

Method

1. Rinse the spatholobus stem. Rinse the red dates.
2. Combine both ingredients in a pot with 6 cups (about 1.4 litres) of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours until the liquid reduces to about 2 cups.
4. Drink the tea and eat the red dates.

Bro Niu’s tips

The key to this tea is sufficient cooking time — do not simply steep the spatholobus stem; it needs a full 90 minutes of simmering for its properties to be released. For a further boost to platelet counts, add 3 qian of peanut skins (hua sheng yi, the red inner skin of peanuts), or use 2 liang of whole peanuts with skins on (red-skinned peanuts are best). This tea is also appropriate for pale, tired individuals who do not have a diagnosed blood disorder but simply need blood-building support. Take monthly for a period rather than continuously, once platelet counts stabilise. For those prone to internal heat from red dates, switch to southern dates (nan zao).

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (豪): My platelet count is slightly low. Is there a soup that can help raise it? Bro Niu: You can use dang shen (codonopsis) 3 qian, hua sheng yi (peanut skins) 3 qian, or lian yi hua sheng (peanuts with red skin) 1 liang, and red dates 6 pieces (pitted), in 5 cups of water reduced to 2 cups. Take for 4–5 consecutive servings — this can help raise platelet counts.

• Q (Cherry): My 65-year-old friend has a platelet count of around 100 and is taking steroids. Is this soup appropriate while on medication? Bro Niu: You can use dang shen 3 qian, hua sheng yi 3 qian, and red dates 8 pieces (pitted), in 5 cups of water reduced to 2 cups, for 4–5 consecutive servings.

• Q (zac): My father is undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer, and his platelet count has dropped. What food therapy can help? Bro Niu: You can use hua sheng yi (peanut skins) 3 qian, red beans (hong dou) 1 liang, goji berries (gou qi zi) 3 qian, and red dates 6–8 pieces, in 5 cups of water reduced to 2 cups. Take 4–5 consecutive servings. If peanut skins are not available, use 2 liang of whole peanuts with skins (red-skinned small variety is best).

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Published March 27, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.