Three Jujube Tea (San Zao Cha)

Why people make this tea

Some children seem to catch every cold going around, and once they start coughing, it lingers for weeks. Parents know how frustrating it can be when a child refuses bitter herbal teas. This three-jujube tea solves that problem: it tastes naturally sweet and mild, making it far easier to get children to actually drink it. In traditional Cantonese food therapy, all three varieties of jujube are believed to have anti-allergic properties and a nourishing effect on the blood, which is why this combination has been used for generations to support children with sensitive airways and recurring coughs.

Method

1. Slice the red jujubes and remove the pits. Slice the nanzao. Cut the honey jujube in half.
2. Place all three jujubes into a small pot with 3 cups of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the liquid reduces to roughly 1 cup.
4. Strain and serve warm. Children may drink it as is; it needs no added sugar.

Nourilo’s Tips

Slicing all three jujubes before simmering allows their sweetness and nutrients to infuse more fully into the tea — do not skip this step. Beyond its respiratory-support role, this tea also has a gentle blood-nourishing effect, and regular drinkers often notice a healthier complexion over time. For busy parents or office workers, you can place the sliced jujubes in a vacuum flask and pour boiling water over them to steep — it works as a convenient thermos brew. Children may drink 2 servings per week as a regular tonic.