Black Bean and Licorice Root Tea

Why people make this tea

In traditional Cantonese households, this humble two-ingredient tea holds a quietly important role: it is the “reset” after a course of medication. When a child has been through a week of cold medicine, or when an adult has been taking multiple prescriptions for a long period, this tea is brewed to help the body “clear out” what has accumulated.

Black beans and licorice root make a natural pairing. Black beans are cooling in nature yet not overly cold — considered neutral enough for most constitutions — and are traditionally associated with clearing heat and supporting detoxification. Licorice root is famous in Chinese herbal medicine as an ingredient that “harmonises” other herbs and is said to counteract plant-derived toxins broadly. Together, they make a gentle, accessible everyday tea.

For infants who are restless, feverish, or crying at night, the recipe can be adapted: use black beans with rush pith grass (deng xin cao) instead of licorice, to serve as a soothing warming milk tea.

Method

1. Rinse and soak the black beans for 30 minutes.
2. Place the black beans, licorice root, and water in a pot. Start with cold water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer.
4. Cook for 45–60 minutes (45 min if simmering; 1 hour to make a stronger brew). The tea is ready when the liquid has reduced to about 600 ml.
5. Drink the liquid; the cooked beans can also be eaten.

Note: if you prefer a lighter, steeping method rather than simmering, dry-toast the black beans in a dry pan over medium heat for about 7 minutes first, then steep in hot water. This method is quicker but produces a slightly different flavour. If it feels too warming, add a slice of dried fig.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is a natural detox remedy, particularly helpful for children or adults who have been taking a lot of medication — it is associated with helping clear accumulated drug residues from the body. For infants with fetal heat, night restlessness, or crying, adapt the recipe by using black beans with rush pith grass (deng xin cao) 5–6 bundles, brewed as a warming tea — effective and safe. Do not use this tea during an active fever. Use 2 times per week for about a month to clear residual drug accumulation; for general wellness, once or twice a week is fine. Store dry-toasted black beans in an airtight container — they will keep for several months.