Two-Seed, Polygala and Albizzia Flower Tea (Er Ren Yuan Zhi He Huan Hua Cha)

Why people make this tea

Urban life — long hours, constant connectivity, financial pressure, family demands — takes a toll on sleep quality. Research suggests that a large proportion of people in high-pressure cities like Hong Kong experience some form of chronic nervous tension or insomnia, and the downstream effects can be significant: irritability, poor concentration, foggy thinking, headaches, heart palpitations, and relationship strain. Some medical conditions — high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, hyperthyroidism, menopause — can also disturb sleep.

This five-herb blend has deep roots in traditional Chinese practice. Rather than sedating the body, it works in the logic of nourishing the heart and settling the spirit — a different framing from Western sleep aids, but one that many people find gentle and effective when used consistently.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients separately by soaking briefly and draining.
2. Combine all herbs with 1.5 L of water in a pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 1 hour, until the liquid reduces to approximately 600 ml.
4. Strain and drink. Rock sugar can be added to taste if the flavour is too medicinal.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea will have a somewhat herbal, slightly sour flavour — especially noticeable from the sour jujube seeds. If it is too strong or tart, a small piece of rock sugar softens the taste. This blend is particularly well suited to people who feel emotionally constricted or prone to low mood alongside their sleep difficulties (what traditional practice would describe as liver qi stagnation). All ingredients are available at Chinese herb shops.