Herbal & Flower Teas
Ophiopogon, Mulberry, Goji & Apple Tea
Traditionally nourishes yin, generates fluids and moistens the lung
Why people make this tea
When the weather turns dry and many people find themselves troubled by a dry throat and a sticky, dry cough, Bro Niu turns to this simple brew. Mulberry, goji and yin-nourishing ophiopogon pair beautifully with fresh apple for a tea that is soothing, moistening and easy to make any day of the week.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone with a dry throat or dry-weather cough wanting a gentle, moistening daily tea
- Suitable for young and old as a wellness brew
- A mild, clear tea with no special cautions
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Ophiopogon (mai dong): traditionally nourishes yin, generates fluids, moistens the lung and calms the heart.
- Mulberry fruit (sang shen): associated with nourishing yin and the liver and kidney.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): associated with nourishing the liver and kidney and supporting the eyes.
- Apple (ping guo): adds natural sweetness; wholesome and moistening with skin on.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ophiopogon (mai dong) | 5 qian (~19 g) | Rinsed |
| Mulberry fruit (sang shen) | 5 qian (~19 g) | Rinsed |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinsed |
| Apples (ping guo) | 2 | Skin-on, scrubbed, cut and cored |
| Water | 7 bowls | Reduce to 3–4 bowls |
Method
- Rinse and soak the ophiopogon, mulberry and goji; scrub the apples clean (skin on), then cut and core.
- Put everything in a pot with 7 bowls of water.
- Boil 20 minutes until reduced to 3–4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is clear, sweet and tasty, fine for young and old. Besides supporting the stomach and moistening the lung, it is good for the liver and kidney and is associated with nourishing the complexion — a fine everyday wellness brew.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Yi): I’m vegetarian. Two weeks ago I had a D&C; before my body had recovered, my period already came. I feel very weak, with headaches and dizziness. What soup suits me? Thank you. Bro Niu: “Four-red soup” can support blood and ease weakness: red-skin peanuts 1 liang, goji 3 qian, adzuki beans 1 liang, red dates 5, simmered with brown sugar for 1 hour; drink the soup and eat the solids, three times a week. For the headache, simmer gastrodia (tian ma) 3 qian, chuanxiong 2 qian, 3 slices ginger, angelica dahurica (bai zhi) 2 qian and 4 red dates for half an hour — it helps dispel wind and ease headache; stop once symptoms improve. The four-red soup can be taken regularly.
Published January 3, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
