Herbal & Flower Teas
Mulberry Mistletoe, Red Date and Mulberry-Fruit Tea
Traditionally used to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen sinews and ease cramping
Why people make this tea
Cramps have many causes — poor peripheral circulation, cold exposure, overexertion, anemia. In winter the cold makes older legs cramp at night, while in summer, sleeping under air-conditioning can chill the feet and trigger cramps too. Bro Niu suggests warm socks or a warm-water foot soak before bed, and watching for low calcium, potassium, sodium or magnesium. This gentle tea is traditionally used to support the liver and kidneys and strengthen the sinews.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People prone to leg or hand cramps, and anyone wanting a mild liver-and-kidney tonic that is also said to nourish the blood and complexion.
- Mild and broadly suitable for young and old; in traditional use it is even considered to support a steady pregnancy. Long-term cramping must be checked — please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Mulberry mistletoe (sang ji sheng): Traditionally used to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen sinews and bones, and dispel wind-damp.
- Mulberry fruit (sang shen zi): Traditionally associated with nourishing the blood and yin.
- Red dates (hong zao): Warm and sweet, traditionally used to nourish the blood and soften the herbal taste.
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prepared mulberry mistletoe | ~1 liang (~38 g) | Steamed type is less bitter; plain works too |
| Red dates | 6 | Pitted |
| Mulberry fruit | ~5 qian (~19 g) |
Method
- Rinse the mistletoe and other ingredients; pit the red dates.
- Combine all ingredients with 6 bowls of water.
- Cook for 40 minutes, reducing to 3 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
The mistletoe pictured is the steamed (prepared) type, which gives a less bitter, less astringent brew; if you cannot find it, ordinary mistletoe works too. This tea is lightly fragrant with little herbal taste. Beyond easing cramps, it is traditionally said to nourish the blood and complexion, suitable for young and old.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Granny Li): I noticed a crack down the middle of my tongue — is that normal, and what can I drink? Bro Niu: You may have a touch of yin deficiency. You can take 1 teaspoon each of American ginseng powder and dendrobium powder daily; or cook adenophora, polygonatum and ophiopogon (5 qian each) with 4 figs and lean pork — the whole family can drink it. Cook for about 1.5 hours into 4 bowls.
Published July 6, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
