Herbal & Flower Teas
Astragalus Ophiopogon Schisandra Tea
Traditionally used to moisten the lungs and ease a lingering cough after a cold or COVID
Why people make this tea
After a cold or a bout of COVID, a lot of people are left dragging — a cough that won’t quit, breathlessness, tiredness, a foggy head, night sweats, even trouble sleeping. Bro Niu likes this gentle three-herb tea for exactly that in-between recovery stage. Astragalus is the classic “energy and immune” herb, ophiopogon brings moisture back to a dry chest, and schisandra helps settle the cough and calm a restless night. It’s an easy daily sip while you get your strength back.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people recovering from a cold or COVID with a lingering dry cough, fatigue, night sweats or poor sleep.
- Helpful for those who feel run-down with weak immunity.
- Not suitable during pregnancy.
- If you have diabetes or are taking Western medicine, finish the prescribed course first and check with your doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus (bei qi): Traditionally used to boost qi, nourish blood, support digestion and immunity, and ease spontaneous sweating.
- Ophiopogon (mai dong): Traditionally used to generate fluids, moisten the lungs and ease a dry cough.
- Schisandra (wu wei zi): Traditionally used to astringe lung qi, calm coughing and help with night sweats, fatigue and sleep.
Ingredients (2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus, sliced (bei qi) | 1 tbsp | — |
| Ophiopogon (mai dong) | 1 tbsp | Use a little more for dry-heat constitutions |
| Schisandra berries (wu wei zi) | 1 tbsp | — |
Method
- Rinse all the ingredients.
- Simmer in 3 bowls of water for 10 minutes, reducing to 2 bowls. Drink.
Bro Niu’s tips
You can also rinse the herbs with boiling water, then refill with boiling water and steep, covered, for about 15 minutes. It is traditionally enjoyed by people with nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue and weak immunity. Pregnant women should not drink it.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Yy): Is this suitable for people with yin-deficiency heat (yin xu huo wang)? Bro Niu: Yes, those with yin-deficiency heat can drink it — just add a little more ophiopogon (mai dong).
- Q (麦太): I still have a little phlegm, cough and a runny nose. Can I drink this tea? Bro Niu: If you have no fever, yes, you can drink it.
- Q (Bo ma): My 5-year-old just recovered from a cold and oddly doesn’t cough all day, but about an hour after falling asleep at night he coughs nonstop for 10–15 minutes, then again every few hours. What can I do? Bro Niu: You can simmer 3 qian of perilla leaf (zi su ye) with 3 slices of fresh ginger and a little brown sugar in 3 bowls of water for 15 minutes; give it to him for 3 servings. It is traditionally used to disperse cold and calm coughing.
Published May 22, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
