Tonic Drinks & Waters
Hawthorn & Astragalus Water
Traditionally associated with supporting kidney elimination for people with high uric acid
Why people make this water
Hawthorn is one of the most commonly used food-therapy ingredients, traditionally associated with moving the blood and supporting healthy cholesterol, with a gentle diuretic quality that supports the kidneys’ elimination. High uric acid generally comes from two directions: making too much (from rich, fatty food and high-purine foods) or clearing too little (when kidney function is weaker). Bro Niu pairs hawthorn with astragalus — valued for supporting the liver, gentle diuresis, and immunity — in a water traditionally favoured by people with high uric acid.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with high uric acid, and also those living with the “three highs.”
- Not suitable for pregnant women or those with excess stomach acid.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Hawthorn (shan zha): Traditionally associated with moving the blood, supporting healthy cholesterol, and a gentle diuretic effect that supports kidney elimination.
- Astragalus (huang qi): Traditionally valued for supporting the liver, gentle diuresis, and immunity, and for consolidating the body’s surface qi.
Ingredients (2–3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn (shan zha) | 5 mace (~19 g) | Soaked and rinsed |
| Astragalus (huang qi) | 5 mace (~19 g) | Soaked and rinsed |
Method
- Soak and rinse the ingredients.
- Add 5 bowls of water and simmer for half an hour until reduced to 2–3 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea has a slightly sour taste and is traditionally associated with boosting surface qi and supporting kidney elimination — also helpful for those with the “three highs.” But it is not suitable for pregnant women or those with excess stomach acid.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Angel): Can a 15-year-old with high uric acid drink this? Bro Niu: A young person can drink this. You can also buy pure coconut water at the supermarket and add half to 1 green papaya (with skin, seeded, cut into chunks) plus a stalk of celery; put everything in a stewing pot, pour in the coconut water, double-boil 1 hour, for 4 doses, to help reduce uric acid. Day to day, eat less organ meat, shellfish, beans, and mushrooms to help improve the condition.
- Q (Ki): I have an eczema-prone constitution; cooling foods and tonics both disagree with me. For 3 months my lips have been dry, red, itchy and burning despite balms and Vaseline. What food therapy might help? Bro Niu: Try sha shen and yu zhu 3 mace each, 1 apple (cored), and 3 figs, in 5 bowls of water cooked to 2 bowls, divided over a day, for 3 doses, to help clear heat, moisten dryness, and support the spleen and stomach.
Published October 21, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
