Herbal & Flower Teas
Eleutherococcus, Goji Berry and Red Date Tea
Traditionally supports immune function, energy, and resistance to fatigue
Why people make this tea
Eleutherococcus senticosus — known in the West as Siberian ginseng — has been studied for its adaptogenic properties: its ability to help the body cope with physical and mental stress, and to support healthy immune function. Bro Niu recommends it especially during periods when illness is circulating widely, and particularly for children and older adults whose immune systems may need a little extra support. The good news is that this tea is genuinely pleasant to drink — mildly sweet, with almost no medicinal bitterness — so it does not feel like medicine at all. Drink it before meals for best results.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for children and older adults wanting to support immune function and resistance.
- Also traditionally associated with supporting cognitive function and reducing brain fog.
- Caution: Those taking blood-pressure medication should avoid this tea, as eleutherococcus may interfere with the medication’s effectiveness. Those with autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.) should also avoid it.
- Pregnant women and those who are generally healthy may consult a practitioner before use.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Eleutherococcus (ci wu jia): Considered a form of Siberian ginseng in Chinese medicine. Traditionally associated with tonifying qi (energy), supporting the immune system, improving cerebral blood flow, reducing fatigue, and supporting bone marrow function. It has a strong antioxidant profile.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): A familiar wellness ingredient the world over; traditionally valued for nourishing the liver and kidneys, supporting healthy vision, and contributing to overall vitality.
- Red dates (hong zao): A classic qi and blood tonic; they moderate the formula and add natural sweetness, making the tea more accessible.
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eleutherococcus root (ci wu jia) | 19 g (5 qian) | Rinse before use; available from Chinese herb shops |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 11 g (3 qian) | Rinse well |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 pieces | Remove pits before cooking |
Method
- Rinse the eleutherococcus and goji berries; pit the red dates.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 6 bowls (about 1.5 litres) of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the liquid reduces to approximately 3 bowls.
- Serve before meals.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea tastes pleasantly sweet with almost no medicinal flavour — even children tend to accept it willingly. Beyond immune support, it may also help with prevention of cognitive decline in older adults. Drink it before meals. One caution to take seriously: if you or anyone in your household is on blood-pressure medication, do not use this tea, as eleutherococcus can affect how those medications work.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (anonymous): Can someone taking blood-pressure medication drink this tea? Bro Niu: No — those on blood-pressure medication should not take eleutherococcus. It can interfere with the medication’s effectiveness.
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Q (Fanny Mama): My 3-year-old has had a bad nasal allergy for months, causing an ongoing cough. Is there something suitable for him? Bro Niu: Try picking up Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Screen Powder) granules from a Chinese pharmacy, and steep it together with about 6 magnolia buds (xin yi hua) as a daily drink. This helps strengthen the body’s defences, reduce nasal allergy symptoms, and stop excessive sweating.
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Q (Azu): I am 9 weeks pregnant, often feel cold, and have a thick white tongue coating and a dry mouth. Can I drink goji berry tea? Bro Niu: In early pregnancy it is common to feel cold as the baby develops — this usually settles after 3 months. You can boil American ginseng, goji berries, poria mushroom, and atractylodes (6 g each) as a tea, every other day. This can help ease the dry mouth and thick tongue coating.
Published March 20, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
