Herbal & Flower Teas
Hemp Seed Honey Tea
Moistens the intestines to ease constipation in the weak or depleted
Why people make this drink
Constipation isn’t always about dry, hard stool. Sometimes it comes from being depleted — the body simply lacks the strength or the moisture to move things along. For this kind of “deficiency” constipation in the elderly, children or new mothers, harsh purgatives like rhubarb or senna are too strong. A mild, sweet-natured seed like huo ma ren is the traditional gentler choice: it moistens and lubricates the intestines, making it well suited to those who are weak or blood-depleted.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- “Deficiency-type” constipation; people who stay up late and run dry; the elderly and the run-down.
- Important: huo ma ren is the seed of the hemp plant and is considered to have a mild toxicity — do not use long-term. Not suitable during pregnancy or for those with kidney-yang deficiency. For young children, prunes or sweet-potato congee are gentler options (see below).
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Hemp seed (huo ma ren): mild and sweet in nature; traditionally moistens dryness, lubricates the intestines, and gently moves the blood — a soft, nourishing laxative.
- Honey: adds its own moistening, lubricating quality and makes the tea pleasant.
Ingredients (1 cup)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hemp seed (huo ma ren) | ~8 g (2 mace) | from a Chinese herb shop |
| Honey | to taste | stir in at the end |
Method
- Toast the hemp seeds until fragrant and grind to a fine powder.
- Stir into honey and dissolve in warm (not boiling) water. Drink.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea suits people with habitual constipation, and those who often stay up late and run “dry.” But because huo ma ren has a mild toxicity, don’t drink it long-term — rotate with gentler everyday measures like more water and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Tony): My child is nearly 2 and often has trouble passing stool — can they have huo ma ren? Bro Niu: For small children whose bowels are simply slow, I don’t recommend huo ma ren. Instead, crush about 3 American prunes and give with plenty of water; or cook a little sweet-potato congee in the morning. Gently massaging clockwise around the navel between meals also helps.
- Q (Mrs. Leung): My stool is dry and hard lately — what food therapy softens it? Bro Niu: Drink more water and eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Sweet-potato congee for breakfast, figs and prunes between meals. Dry, hard stool can also reflect yin deficiency with internal heat — try a soup of sha shen, yu zhu, snow fungus, figs and apricot kernels with pork.
- Q (where to buy): Where can I get huo ma ren? Bro Niu: It’s sold at Chinese herb shops.
Published July 3, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
