Herbal & Flower Teas
Ginger Brown-Sugar Black Tea with Red Dates
Warms the body and encourages a light sweat at the onset of a chill
Why people make this drink
At the very first hint of a chill, a hot cup of ginger–black tea sipped before bed is one of the oldest home remedies in the Chinese kitchen: it warms you through and encourages a light sweat, which traditionally is thought to help the body clear what it’s fighting off. If you tend to feel run-down, a few dried black dates added to the cup support the body’s resilience.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Best for the onset of a wind-cold type chill: shivering, clear runny nose, no fever. Also traditionally used for period discomfort and cramps.
- Not suited to a sore, inflamed throat or a “wind-heat” cold — in that case a cooling mulberry-leaf & chrysanthemum tea fits better. Keep ginger light if you run hot.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh ginger: warming and diaphoretic — it’s the engine that encourages the sweat.
- Dark brown sugar: traditionally said to warm and support qi and blood.
- Dried black dates (nan zao): gentler and more nourishing to yin and blood than ordinary red dates — well suited to the elderly and children.
Ingredients (1 cup)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh ginger | 5 slices (thumb-size, grated is ideal) | |
| Black tea | 1 teabag | omit for young children |
| Dark brown sugar | 2 tsp | |
| Dried black dates (nan zao) | 3 | adds support if you feel weak |
Method
- Put the ginger, teabag, black dates and brown sugar in a pot.
- Add about 1.5 bowls of water and boil ~5 minutes. Drink warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
Drink it warm until you feel a light sweat — it’s very comforting. (For young children, skip the black tea and just use ginger and dates.)
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (white sugar / honey?): Can I use slab sugar or honey instead of brown sugar? Bro Niu: Yes — slab sugar works, and honey is fine too. If using honey, let the tea cool slightly first so its nutrients aren’t destroyed by heat.
- Q (evening tea keeps me awake): I can’t sleep if I drink tea at night — can I leave out the teabag? Bro Niu: Many people are the same. At night, skip the teabag; the effect is slightly gentler but you can stir in a little honey once it’s warm (not hot).
- Q (sore throat): I have a cold with a sore throat — can I drink this? Bro Niu: With a sore throat, this warming ginger tea isn’t ideal. Try steeping mulberry leaf and chrysanthemum (2 mace each) with a little mint to clear and soothe the throat instead.
Published March 22, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
