Chamomile and Goji Berry Tea

Why people make this tea

Chamomile is probably the best-known calming herb in the Western world — it has been used for centuries to ease tension and prepare the body for sleep. What many people do not realise is that German chamomile, in particular, has a broader range of traditionally documented uses: supporting healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, easing respiratory discomfort from colds, and soothing sore muscles and headaches. Nourilo pairs it with goji berries because the two complement each other beautifully — chamomile calms and cools while goji nourishes the liver and eyes, making this a particularly good combination for people who spend hours in front of a computer. Among the varieties Nourilo has tried, he finds German chamomile to have a gentler, slightly sweet flavour compared to Roman chamomile, and it tends to be free of the mould problems that affect the cheaper domestic-grown varieties.

Method

1. Place chamomile flowers and goji berries in a teapot or heatproof mug.
2. Pour a small amount of just-boiled water over the ingredients and immediately discard this first rinse (this cleans the ingredients and opens the petals).
3. Pour in fresh boiling water to fill the pot or mug.
4. Steep for 5 minutes, then pour and drink.
5. The same ingredients can be steeped two or three more times. Eat the goji berries once the liquid is finished.

Nourilo’s Tips

For sleep difficulties, drink this tea 1–2 hours before bedtime rather than right before lying down. A frequency of 3 times per week is enough — there is no need to drink it every day. Note that chamomile and chrysanthemum (ju hua) are different herbs with different properties and cannot be used interchangeably. If you cannot find German chamomile locally, look for it in health food shops or online; it is widely available in Western countries. If you prefer not to have any blood-pressure-lowering effect, stir in a few pieces of sliced red date when steeping.