American Ginseng, Longan and Goji Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

It is estimated that up to 80% of people experience periods of anxiety-driven sleeplessness at some point. When the body is both under-rested and under-resourced, resistance to illness drops noticeably — something that becomes especially relevant during flu season. This simple steeping tea uses three ingredients that have long been paired together in Chinese food therapy: American ginseng to clear inner heat and ease restlessness, longan to nourish the blood and calm the mind, and goji berries to support the liver and kidneys. Together they are traditionally associated with a steadier mood, more restful sleep, and greater resilience.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Particularly suited to those who feel anxious, sleep poorly, have blood deficiency, or experience dry and tired eyes
• Those who have active excess-heat conditions (such as a current fever or inflammation) or a tendency toward spleen deficiency with dampness should drink this sparingly or avoid it
• Children under three: replace the American ginseng with 3 g of Prince’s ginseng (tai zi shen), which is gentler and not classified in the ginseng family

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• American ginseng (hua qi shen, 花旗参 / Panax quinquefolius): Considered to simultaneously tonify qi, nourish yin, and clear heat — often used to help reduce fatigue and support immune function without overheating the body. Contains polysaccharides traditionally associated with immune modulation
• Longan flesh (yuan rou / long yan rou, 圆肉/龙眼肉): Traditionally regarded as one of the best blood-nourishing, heart-calming ingredients in everyday Chinese cooking; used for centuries to address insomnia arising from blood deficiency or overthinking
• Goji berries (gou qi zi, 杞子 / Lycium barbarum): Associated with nourishing the liver and kidneys, brightening the eyes, and gently supporting immune function; also traditionally used for dry, irritated eyes

Ingredients (1–2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
American ginseng slices	1 tablespoon (~5 g)	Canadian or American-grown slices are highly regarded
Dried longan flesh	1 tablespoon (~10 g)	Use plump, fragrant pieces
Goji berries	1/2 tablespoon (~5 g)	Rinse before steeping

Method

1. Place all three ingredients into a cup or small teapot.
2. Rinse once briefly with freshly boiled water; discard this first rinse.
3. Pour in freshly boiled water and steep, covered, for 15 minutes.
4. Drink the tea, then refill with hot water and steep again. Continue until the tea becomes tasteless.

Bro Niu’s tips

Drinking this tea regularly is traditionally said to bring a more luminous complexion and a rosier colour to the face — a sign, in Chinese food therapy, that the blood is being better nourished. It is a gentle, accessible tea that most people can make at home with ingredients from a Chinese supermarket or herbal shop. If you have been prescribed Western medicines, take this tea at least two hours apart from any medication.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Rose): A friend gave me some American ginseng slices but I have not used them. How long can they be stored without refrigeration? Can they still be used if they have been sitting for a while? Bro Niu: As long as they are not mouldy, slices stored without refrigeration are still usable. However, do not drink this tea while you have an active cold or flu — that would not be a good time for tonics, as it may help the illness take a stronger hold.

• Q (reader): Can young children drink this tea? Bro Niu: For children under three years old, replace the American ginseng with Prince’s ginseng (tai zi shen), about 3 g. Tai zi shen belongs to a different plant family from true ginsengs and is suitable for young children.

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Published January 30, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.