Herbal & Flower Teas
Longan, Goji, Ginger and Roasted Brown Rice Tea
Traditionally taken to warm the stomach, nourish the heart and calm the mind
Why people make this tea
This one is pure childhood nostalgia for Bro Niu. Around Lunar New Year his parents would brew a big pot of red-date water for guests, sometimes adding longan and goji — sweet, comforting, and good for you. Since early spring still carries a chill, this version adds toasted brown rice and ginger to warm the stomach and chase the cold away.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people with a cold, weak stomach, a pale complexion, poor sleep, low mood, or who tire easily. Welcomed by women after childbirth.
- Pregnant women should not use longan — swap in red dates or black dates. New mothers (especially after a caesarean) should wait until lochia has cleared, at least 14 days, before warming tonics.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Longan (yuan rou): traditionally used to nourish the heart and spleen, build blood and calm the spirit.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): classically associated with supporting the liver, brightening the eyes and boosting overall vitality.
- Roasted brown rice (chao mi) and ginger (sheng jiang): added to warm the stomach and dispel cold.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried longan | 1 tbsp | |
| Goji berries | 1 tbsp | |
| Roasted brown rice | 1 tbsp | See tip for toasting |
| Fresh ginger | 3–4 slices |
Method
- Put all the ingredients in a teapot. Rinse once with boiling water, then pour fresh boiling water over them.
- Cover and steep for 15 minutes, then drink.
Bro Niu’s tips
To make the roasted brown rice: use three-colour, red or yellow brown rice (no need to wash), dry-toast it in a pan for about 7 minutes, then store in a glass jar and take a spoonful whenever you need it. This tea warms the stomach, dispels cold and supports the complexion. Pregnant women should not use longan — substitute red or black dates.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (reader): Can you walk me through how to toast the brown rice? Bro Niu: Use three-colour, red or yellow brown rice; no need to wash it. Dry-toast in a clean dry pan for 7 minutes, then store in a glass jar and use as needed.
- Q (Cola): If someone has yin-deficiency internal heat but also a cold, weak stomach, can they drink this? Bro Niu: Just swap the longan for 4 black dates.
Published January 12, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
