American Ginseng, Goji Berry, and Nan Date Tea

Why people make this tea

Autumn is the season when the air turns dry and many people notice a parched throat, afternoon fatigue, or a vague restlessness that was not there in summer. In Chinese food therapy, American ginseng (hua qi shen / xi yang shen) is considered particularly suited to this season and to those who tend to run on the warmer, more energetic side — its qi-replenishing action is gentler and more moistening than Chinese red ginseng, making it safe for regular use by most people. Goji berries contribute liver-supportive and eye-brightening qualities, as well as a gentle blood-nourishing effect. Nan dates (a variety of Chinese date that is nourishing but non-heating) add warmth, sweetness, and calming properties. Together, this trio makes a wonderfully approachable everyday tea — good for late nights, dry autumn days, and anyone who feels both tired and a little overheated.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suited to most adults, particularly those with signs of yin deficiency: dry throat, afternoon heat sensations, fatigue, restlessness, or disturbed sleep.
• Particularly helpful for people who work late nights, those with overwork fatigue, and those experiencing dry-season discomfort.
• Those who tend to have cold hands and feet (yang deficient constitution) should not take large amounts of American ginseng on its own — but pairing it with goji berries and nan dates as in this recipe makes it more balanced and generally tolerable.
• American ginseng does not withstand long cooking — steep rather than boil; add thin-sliced pieces directly to warm liquid.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• American ginseng (hua qi shen): Traditionally associated with replenishing qi, generating body fluids, nourishing lung yin, and clearing deficiency heat. Considered gentler and more moistening than Chinese ginseng. A good choice for those who are both tired and prone to heat.
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): Traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys, supporting eye health, calming the nervous system, and supporting healthy blood sugar and blood lipid levels.
• Nan dates (nan zao): A variety of Chinese date considered nourishing but less heating than regular red dates; traditionally used to nourish blood, calm the mind, and support spleen and stomach function.

Ingredients (1 serving, re-steep until pale)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
American ginseng slices	1 tablespoon (~3–5 slices)	Choose whole roots sliced thin; USA or Canada origin preferred for flavour and efficacy
Goji berries	1 tablespoon (~10–15 berries)	—
Nan dates	3 pieces	—
Water	enough to fill the teapot	Freshly boiled

Method

1. Place all ingredients in a teapot or heatproof mug.
2. Pour boiling water over them once and immediately discard this first rinse.
3. Pour in fresh boiling water.
4. Steep covered for about 15 minutes.
5. Drink warm. Re-steep with fresh boiling water until the flavour fades.

Bro Niu’s tips

When buying American ginseng, the best quality comes from the USA or Canada. Look for whole roots and ask the shop staff to slice them for you. The best way to judge freshness is to put two slices in your mouth — if your mouth immediately starts producing saliva (a moist, slightly bitter sensation), it is high-quality ginseng. American ginseng does not tolerate long boiling, so steep rather than cook it; it is fine to add thin slices to the soup pot at the very end of cooking if you want to incorporate it into a soup. This tea is an ideal everyday autumn wellness drink, particularly for those who stay up late or feel tired and dry.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (PAT): Can I combine American ginseng, mai dong (ophiopogon), gui yuan (longan), and chrysanthemum together? Will it prevent sleep? Bro Niu: American ginseng with mai dong and chrysanthemum is a beneficial combination. However, longan (gui yuan / yuan rou) is warming and slightly drying — better to replace it with goji berries. This combination will not cause insomnia.

• Q (PAT): Is it better to pair with chrysanthemum or white chrysanthemum? Bro Niu: Either chrysanthemum bud (tai ju), white chrysanthemum, or hangzhou chrysanthemum (hang ju) all work well — choose based on personal preference.

• Q (PAT): If I do not add chrysanthemum, can I use mulberry leaves (sang ye) instead? Bro Niu: American ginseng and mulberry leaves are rarely paired together — the flavour combination is not pleasant.

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Published September 20, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.