Herbal & Flower Teas
Rose, Goji, Tangerine Peel and Apple Tea
Traditionally used to soothe the liver, move stuck qi and ease a tense, bloated stomach
Why people make this tea
A friend told Bro Niu her stomach had been off lately — bloated, indigestion, no appetite. Talking it through, it turned out her daughter-in-law had snapped at her for picking up the grandchild without washing her hands first, and the more she stewed on it, the less she could eat. That is exactly what Chinese tradition calls “liver qi invading the stomach”: feelings that get bottled up and then sit on your digestion. She didn’t want to take herbs, so Bro Niu suggested a tea that gently soothes the liver and settles the stomach — and reminded her that the younger generation can just be blunt without meaning any harm, and that easing your own thoughts is the real cure.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with stress-linked bloating, poor appetite or a stuffy, can’t-quite-relax feeling in the chest.
- Fragrant and pleasant for both men and women — but pregnant women should not drink flower-and-herb teas.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Rose buds (mei gui hua): Traditionally soothe the liver and lift held-in, low moods.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourish the liver and support the eyes.
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Moves qi and settles a bloated stomach.
- Apple: Mild and sweet, it rounds out the tea.
Ingredients (2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried rose buds | 1 tbsp | Rinse |
| Goji berries | 1 tbsp | Rinse |
| Dried tangerine peel | 1 piece | Snip into small bits |
| Apple | 1 | Skin on, cored, sliced |
Method
- Rinse the rose buds and goji; snip the tangerine peel; wash the apple, core it (skin on) and slice.
- Simmer everything in 3.5 bowls of water for 15 minutes down to 2 bowls, and serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is fragrant and tasty, fine for men and women — but pregnant women should not drink flower-and-herb teas.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Yi Ji Le): There seem to be several kinds of rose buds — which do you recommend, or are they about the same? And does steeping time change the effect? Bro Niu: Any kind of rose bud is fine. French roses are more strongly fragrant, so use a little less. Generally flower teas are best steeped within 10 minutes; but if the other ingredients need a longer soak, up to 15 minutes is fine.
Published September 6, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
