Tonic Drinks & Waters
Hawthorn Berry and Carrot Drink
traditionally used to promote circulation, relieve stagnation-related discomfort, and support those with a blood-stasis constitution
Why people make this drink
In traditional Chinese medicine, a “blood-stasis constitution” describes a pattern familiar to many people who have never heard the term: a dull, dark complexion; easy bruising; a tendency to feel congested, stuck, or achy in ways that do not have a clear Western diagnosis; lips that tend toward purple; and veins that are visible under the tongue. It is often the result of years of emotional suppression, sedentary life, or long exposure to cold. Hawthorn berries are one of the most widely used foods in Chinese folk medicine for exactly this pattern — tart, aromatic, and traditionally regarded as powerful movers of stagnant blood and qi. Combined with carrot, this becomes an easy daily drink that most people will simply enjoy.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well suited to those with a blood-stasis constitution: dull complexion, easy bruising, tendency toward pain, dark or purplish lips, or visible distended veins under the tongue
- Also suitable for people managing high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, or blood sugar
- PREGNANT WOMEN must NOT consume hawthorn berries (shan zha) — this ingredient is contraindicated in pregnancy as it strongly promotes downward and dispersing movement
- Those with peptic ulcers or gastritis should be cautious with hawthorn’s acidity; eat after meals if needed
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Hawthorn (shan zha): One of the most widely used herbs for cardiovascular and circulation support in Chinese food therapy. Traditionally disperses stagnant blood and qi, relieves pain, and supports lipid metabolism. Modern research has examined its flavonoid content for cardiovascular effects. The fresh variety is tartly flavourful; dried slices work equally well.
- Carrot (hong luo bo): Adds natural sweetness, beta-carotene, and gentle liver-nourishing properties. Balances the tartness of the hawthorn and makes the drink more pleasant.
- Raw cane sugar (chi sha tang): A warming, unrefined sugar traditionally associated with warming the blood and gently dispersing stagnation; also makes the drink palatable.
Ingredients (2–3 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn berries | ~75 g fresh, or ~19 g dried | Rinse; fresh hawthorn available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online |
| Small red carrots | 2–3 small (or 1 medium carrot) | Wash, peel, slice |
| Raw cane / brown sugar | to taste | Add at end of cooking |
| Water | 6 bowls (~1.2 litres) | — |
Method
- Rinse the hawthorn berries (if using dried slices, rinse and proceed directly).
- Wash and peel the carrots, cut into thin slices.
- Place hawthorn and carrots in a pot with 6 bowls of water.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes.
- Add brown sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
- Strain or serve as is. Drink warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fresh hawthorn berries have a lively flavour and are worth seeking out when in season; if dried slices are easier to find, 5 qian (about 19 g) works as a direct substitute — equally effective. Both fresh and dried hawthorn are available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online. This drink is also beneficial for people with high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, or elevated blood sugar. Pregnant women must not use hawthorn. Those with a blood-stasis constitution should also avoid cold drinks, raw and cooling foods, and fried or spicy things — warm, cooked food is always better for this constitution.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Apple): My tongue tip is very red with purple stagnation points, and my periods have blood clots with cramping. Is this drink suitable for me? Bro Niu: A red tongue tip with stagnation points is characteristic of a blood-stasis pattern — this definitely needs ongoing attention and care. Please continue seeing a Chinese medicine doctor. You can also brew hawthorn, goji berries, and chrysanthemum flowers together as a daily tea. It is a good complement to your consultations.
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Q (Apple, follow-up): Can I brew rose buds together with hawthorn to drink during my period? Bro Niu: Yes, rose buds and hawthorn can be steeped together as a tea. However, stop taking it during your actual period days.
Published December 25, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
