Herbal & Flower Teas
Magnolia Bud (Xin Yi Hua) & Honey Tea
Traditionally helps open the nasal passages
Why people make this tea
Bro Niu once tried a sip of comb honey at a food fair and bought a big jar — it is said to be very kind to those with nasal allergies, rhinitis or throat discomfort. In the old days, many practitioners suggested those with chronic rhinitis or pharyngitis sip a cup of comb-honey tea morning and night. Here it is paired with magnolia buds (xin yi hua), a classic herb traditionally used to open the nasal passages — helpful for a cold-type headache, a blocked nose and clear runny mucus.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Good for those with a stuffy nose, clear runny mucus or cold-type nasal discomfort; suitable for young and old
- Pregnant women should avoid herbal flower teas
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Magnolia buds (xin yi hua): a classic herb traditionally used to open the nasal passages and ease a cold-type blocked, runny nose
- Comb / pure honey (lao chao mi): soothing; traditionally valued for the nose and throat
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Magnolia buds | ~10 | Snip open |
| Comb or pure honey | 1 tablespoon | Stir in at the end |
Method
- Snip the magnolia buds open and place in a teapot; rinse once with boiling water.
- Pour in fresh boiling water and steep, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the honey and enjoy.
Bro Niu’s tips
If you don’t have comb honey, ordinary pure honey works fine. This tea suits young and old — but pregnant women should not drink herbal flower teas.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (reader): I’ve had nasal allergies for over 20 years — can this tea ease the allergy and sinus discomfort? Can I add peppermint leaf and toasted cocklebur fruit (cang er zi)? I only have Manuka 5+ and 10+ honey at home — can I use that? Bro Niu: For nasal allergies you can drink a tea of magnolia bud, cocklebur fruit and peppermint leaf. Manuka honey is best taken straight by the spoonful for its soothing effect — 2 teaspoons each morning, then drink warm water afterward. If you add it to hot tea, the temperature must be below 75°C, as too much heat destroys its most precious active compounds — such a shame to waste them.
Published May 13, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
