American Ginseng and Dried Longan Tea

Why people make this tea

Dried longan (gui yuan / yuan rou) is a food-and-medicine treasure. Both fresh and dried longan run “heaty,” so if you enjoy the fresh fruit in season, Bro Niu suggests enjoying just one “heaty” fruit at a time rather than combining several. Dried longan paired with ginseng is traditionally used to nourish the heart and spleen, the blood and the spirit. In hot weather, regular ginseng can be too warming, so Bro Niu swaps in American ginseng for a gentler, less heating brew.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• People who think and worry a lot, feel run-down or forgetful, or have trouble sleeping with a weak spleen; traditionally said to support memory and clear thinking.
• Not suitable during pregnancy, or for those with active inflammation / “heaty” symptoms (such as mouth or tongue sores). Teenagers may drink it in moderation. Buy genuine American ginseng for benefit.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• American ginseng (hua qi shen): A cooler ginseng traditionally used to support qi and nourish yin without being too heating.
• Dried longan (yuan rou): Traditionally used to nourish the heart and spleen, the blood, and calm the spirit; said to support memory and ease overthinking.

Ingredients (1 pot)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
American ginseng slices	1 tablespoon	Use genuine ginseng
Dried longan flesh	15

Method

1. Place the American ginseng slices and longan into a pot.
2. Pour in boiling water and steep, covered, for 10 minutes.
3. Drink; you can re-steep until the flavor fades.

Bro Niu’s tips

This tea is fragrant and tasty and is traditionally said to benefit those who are anemic, who use their brain heavily, or who overthink. Avoid during pregnancy and if you have any active inflammation. Note: do not steep acidic ingredients in a stainless-steel flask, as the acidity can release unwanted metals.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader): Is this suitable for teenagers? Bro Niu: Teenagers can drink it in moderation, but the American ginseng must be genuine to be beneficial.
• Q (Joey): The tip says it’s not suitable with inflammation — what about hepatitis? Bro Niu: “Inflammation” generally refers to things like skin inflammation or mouth/tongue sores from rising deficiency-fire — those aren’t suitable. For hepatitis, if liver enzymes are high, tonic herbs aren’t suitable; if enzymes are normal, you may drink it.

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Published July 16, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.