Tonic Drinks & Waters
Black Mulberry, Black Bean, Goji Berry & Red Jujube Drink
Traditionally used to nourish liver-blood, support eye health, and promote healthy hair
Why people make this drink
Chinese medicine holds that “hair is the overflow of blood” — when blood is abundant, hair is lustrous and dark; when blood declines, it may grey early. Dark, fully ripened mulberries are considered especially valuable in this regard because they contain natural pigment compounds and anthocyanins. For people who spend long hours staring at screens, or who notice their hair greying sooner than expected, Bro Niu recommends this simple four-ingredient drink as an easy daily ritual. It has a pleasant, slightly sweet and tangy flavour — the whole family can drink it together, and the ingredients are eaten as well.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits adults with eye fatigue, dryness, or deteriorating vision from prolonged computer or phone use
- Traditionally recommended for premature greying and hair thinning linked to overwork or mental strain
- Suitable for women, including those who are postpartum and breastfeeding, and those approaching or in menopause
- Those with diabetes can use this recipe; reduce or omit red jujube (or replace with coconut dates) to moderate sugar intake
- Suitable for most people; no strong contraindications at this dose
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Black mulberries (hei sang shen): Rich in anthocyanins and the trace element selenium; traditionally classified as a liver-kidney tonic that nourishes blood, supports vision, and promotes hair health; also considered a natural antioxidant
- Green-kernel black soybeans (qing ren hei dou): The “green-kernel” variety is preferred in Chinese food therapy; traditionally used to tonify the kidneys and blood, with diuretic and antioxidant properties
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Classic liver-kidney nourishing herb; widely used for eye health and brightening complexion
- Red jujube (hong zao, Ziziphus jujuba): Tonifies qi, nourishes blood, calms the mind; combined with the other three ingredients it creates a warming, blood-building formula
Ingredients (3 bowls / 2–3 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried black mulberries | 38 g (1 liang) | Use 75–115 g if fresh |
| Black soybeans (green kernel) | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinse and soak briefly; look for the green centre when split |
| Goji berries | 11 g (3 qian) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Red jujube dates | 6 pieces | Pit before cooking |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients separately. Pit the red jujube dates.
- Place everything in a pot with 6 bowls (about 1.5 litres) of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 3 bowls.
- Serve warm. Eat the black beans, mulberries, and jujube together with the drink — they are nutritious in their own right.
Bro Niu’s tips
This drink has a clean, naturally sweet flavour and is suitable for all ages. It is particularly beneficial for breastfeeding mothers after childbirth. If you would like to enhance the hair-nourishing effect, Bro Niu suggests adding 5 qian of processed fo-ti root (zhi shou wu) and 3 qian of glossy privet fruit (nu zhen zi) to the pot. If you pre-toast the black soybeans in a dry wok before cooking, they are gentler on the digestive system (toasting removes a compound that can cause bloating when the beans are simply steeped). Toasted black soybeans can be stored in a sealed container for up to three months.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (JASON): Can this recipe help with early greying and thinning hair? Are there additions you’d recommend? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use this drink and add 5 qian processed fo-ti (zhi shou wu) and 3 qian glossy privet fruit (nu zhen zi) for stronger results. You might also look for commercially packaged “fo-ti walnut black sesame cream” at supermarkets — taken every other day, it supports hair health.
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Q (kk): Can someone trying to conceive drink this? What about someone on blood pressure medication? Can it be taken long-term? Bro Niu: This drink is suitable for virtually anyone. Those with diabetes should reduce the red jujube or replace with coconut dates. It can be taken regularly.
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Q (BELLE): Are the black mulberries in the recipe fresh or dried? Bro Niu: The recipe uses 1 liang of dried black mulberries. If you can find fresh ones, use 2–3 liang instead.
Published August 21, 2021 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
