Chinese herbal tea is a great way of improving your health and wellbeing naturally. Basic remedies are said to reduce excess 'heat' in the body (Yang) to align your internal composition to become balanced once again.
Every month of the year has a different feel to it - the weather changes, our moods align to specific times and our diets are no different. Some drinks are synonymous with certain seasons, for example it's rare to see Pornstar Martini cocktails being made in outdoor bars through the middle of December!
So without further ado, here are 12 herbal tea recipes to keep you 'sipping' through 2022:
January
The month of new beginnings and brutally cold weather, January has stereotypically divided opinion among many, but I think we can all agree that a warm cuppa is much needed when you're hibernating from the sub-zero temperatures outside.
We're all for snuggling up on the sofa with a Winter warmer, so get your favourite Netflix show on and stick on the kettle to make this fruity tea
Lily Bulb Petals with Wolfberries & Red Dates
For those who prefer a sweeter kick to your hot tea, you're in luck!
Here's how to create this vibrant bevvy:
Ingredients
60g - Dried Lily Bulb (Bai He) (rinsed)
15 - Dried Red Dates (Hong Zao)
1 tbsp - Dried Wolf Berries (Gou Qi Zi) (rinse in 800ml of water)
Method
1) Combine all ingredients in a pot
2) Bring to the boil
3) Simmer on a low heat for around 40 minutes
4) Serve warm or chilled (your choice)!
What's special about these herbs?
Lily Bulb Petals (Bai He) are typically harvested between July and September. They are separated from the plant, blanched and dried. They are believed to have a range of extraordinary benefits for human health, such as treating pulmonary diseases, ulcers, coughs and dry throats.
Dried Red Dates (Hong Zao) are prized for their potential ability to prevent skin problems, improve blood circulation and combat cell degeneration. They are also great for masking unpleasant flavours of other herbs when blended together.
Dried Wolf Berries (Gou Qi Zi) are derived from plants located in East Asia and Inner Mongolia. They are versatile ingredients as both the fruit and bark of the plant are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with their consumption said to benefit vision, adjusting renal function and being remedial for diabetes. They have a sweetish flavour and can also be used to sweeten-up stews and soups.
*Vita Tip* - Don't discard the dates once you've finished your tea. We recommend eating the flesh as these are a fantastic source of vitamins C and E.
February
With temperatures typically staying low at the end of Winter, we've got another warming recipe to bring some warmth back into your heart:
Mint Tea with Honey & Red Dates
Our Dried Red Dates are making another early entry, this time accompanied with another sweet sensation...
Ingredients
30g - Fresh mint leaves
10 - Dried Red Dates (Hong Zao)
2 tbsps - Honey
Method
1) Bring water to the boil
2) Add mint leaves and dates in your mug/cup
3) Simmer for around 5 minutes
4) After this time, turn off heat, cover and steep for a further 10 minutes
5) Add the honey and stir to incorporate the flavours
6) Discard mint leaves
7) Serve hot and enjoy!
What's special about these herbs?
Garden variety mint leaves are very underrated in the herbal world. Ask any herbalist and they will swear by their efficacy for a whole range of health boosting properties. Consuming mint is said to help calm nerves, ease headaches, toothaches and reduce phlegm.
March
Ahh, the start of Spring! To celebrate the countdown to the warmer months ahead, here's a recipe to put a 'hop' in your step...
Iron Goddess of Mercy Tea with Apple Slices
When someone offers you a black tea, we're presuming you'd head straight to the fridge in search of some milk. Luckily, this blend is infused with a sweet fruity friend...
Ingredients
1 tbsp - Iron Goddess of Mercy tea
2 peeled, cored and sliced - Large apples (your choice)
800ml - Water
Method
1) Boil water
2) Infuse tea in a pot for around 5 minutes
3) Steep apple slices in tea for 15 minutes
4) Serve warm and enjoy!
What's special about these herbs?
This special blend is said to have a positive influence on the human body. Believed to replenish iron levels, improve metabolism whilst containing essential amino acids, this remedy can be a great digestion aid. This herbal tea may also lower blood pressure.
April
With nature starting to awake again from its slumber, our next instalment in the calendar is sure to kickstart your day on the right foot...
Chrysanthemum Tea
One of our favourites, no commercial product can ever surpass homemade Chrysanthemum Tea...
Ingredients
30g - Dried Chrysanthemum Flower Petals (Ye Ju Hua)
150g - Rock sugar
2L - Water
Method
1) Bring water to the boil
2) Add rock sugar
3) When the sugar has completely dissolved, place dried Chrysanthemum petals in an enamel or China teapot
4) Pour sweetened water over
5) Cover and let steep for around 1 hour
6) Serve and enjoy!
What's special about these herbs?
Known of one of the 'cooling' agents, these petals are best-known for their detoxifying properties. You will typically find herbalists stocking both yellow and white varieties of Chrysanthemum flowers, as the former may reduce excess body 'heat' and treats flu symptoms, while the latter helps to potentially soothe the lungs and reduce phlegm.
May
With the sun well and truely out to stay (we hope), we're going to transition to more sweet 'herbal drinks' which will be a treat throughout Spring and Summer...
Codonopsis and Astragalus Root Drink
Root-based herbs are heavily used in Eastern culture for a multitude of reasons. Here's how you can replicate what is loved by many...
Ingredients
15g - Dried Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen)
15g - Dried Astragalus Root (Huang Qi)
100g - Rock sugar
750ml - Water
Method
1) Combine all ingredients in a pot
2) Simmer over low heat for around 1 hour
3) Serve warm and enjoy!
What's special about these herbs?
Found in Korea and Northern Chinese provinces (Shanxi and Gansu), dried Astragalus roots are prized for their ability to potentially treat poor blood circulation and fatigue. Codonopsis roots are generally used as tonics and stimulants, they may be effective for the treatment of gonorrhoea and gynaecological diseases.
June
We're edging closer to those summer-time vibes, so here's a juicy drink to kickstart those good times...
Ginseng Drink
Ginseng can be purchased in a variety of forms (Chinese, American & Korean) and has been held in the highest regard by Eastern medical professionals for hundreds of years. Here's how you can benefit from this ancient herb...
Ingredients
15g - Dried Ginseng Root (Dang Gui)
150g - Rock sugar
1L - Water
Method
1) Combine all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pot (never use aluminium)
2) Make sure the pot has a snug fitting lid to prevent excessive evaporation
3) Simmer for around 1 hour
4) Serve warm and enjoy!
What's special about these herbs?
Legend has it that an old tale gave Ginseng it's worldwide reputation. A Chinese farmer who was at death's door one cold winter night, decided to drink a brew of Ginseng and managed to recover his health for many good years to come. It is said that he drank the most powerful form of this herb, found predominantly in the north of China.
These also possess strong benefits for human health, including assisting muscular tone, improving metabolism and the vascular system, diabetes and the body's healing process.
July
We think it's safe to say that it's acceptable t-shirt weather in the UK by now, so let's celebrate with this juicy bevvy that will go down a treat...
Codonopsis Root & Chrysanthemum Drink
Perfect to lay back and relax with, here's how you can whip this beauty up...
Ingredients
30g - Dried Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen)
15g - Dried Chrysanthemum Flower Petals (Ye Ju Hua)
150g - Rock sugar
1L - Water
Method
1) Combine all ingredients in a pot
2) Simmer on low heat for at least 45 minutes
3) Either strain off pulp / allow to settle after this time
4) Once cooled, pour and add ice
5) Serve and enjoy!
What's special about these herbs?
Although Codonopsis root is not strictly of the Ginseng family, it can be used for similar purposes - such as a 'warming' tonic to improve internal wellness naturally.August
Now's the time to start prepping for a week in the sun, so you'll need a refreshing drink to match the occasion...
Juicy Sour Plum Drink
Ingredients
20g - Dried Black Plum (Wu Mei)
45g - Dried Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha)
10g - Dried Liquorice Root (Sliced) (Gan Cao)
90g - Brown sugar
1L - Water
Method
1) Rinse all herbs under a cold tap to remove any residue
2) Place all ingredients (excluding brown sugar) into a pot
3) Heat the pot on a high temperature for around 30 minutes
4) Check the ingredients and heat for a further 10 minutes
5) During this time, gradually stir in the 90g of brown sugar into the mixture
6) Once mixed thoroughly, remove from heat and allow to stand until it has cooled off
7) When cooled, store in the fridge for up to 3 days
8) Pour your desired amount into a glass, add ice and enjoy!
What's special about these herbs?
Dried Black Plums are herbs which assist to stop coughs, alleviate thirst, stop bleeding, treat corns/warts, expel roundworms and diarrhoea, generate fluids and stop the leakage of sweat. These belong to the same family as peaches, nectarines, and apricots but are more versatile than their counterparts.
Dried Hawthorn Berries are herbs which may assist with treating cardiovascular diseases, irregular heartbeat, angina, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, digestive issues, boosting your immune system and white blood cell production and aiding mental health disorders. Their taste has been described as sweet and tart, like that of a ripe apple/cranberry.
Dried Liquorice Root (Sliced) are herbs which may assist with soothing your stomach, cleaning the respiratory system, aid heartburn, acid reflux, expel mucus, bring relief to a sore throat, reduce hot flushes during menopause, aid abdominal and muscular cramps, relieve ezcema discomfort/joint pain, treat STD's and regulate the stress hormone. This is one of the most popular herbal ingredients found in the East.
September
A month in which the seasons are in limbo, we're shifting you back onto the herbal tea path to get you sipping all the way through September...
Chinese Ginger Tea with Goji Berries
Combining one of the most authentic Chinese herbal ingredients alongside a modern 'superfood', this blend is one not to be missed...
Ingredients
15g - Dried Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi)
15g - Dried Ginger Root (Gan Jiang)
1 tbsp - Brown sugar / Honey (of your choice)
2 cups - Water
Method
1) Add water to a small pot with the ginger and dates
2) Cover this mixture and bring to the boil
3) Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for around 15 minutes
4) Add the brown sugar / honey (whichever your preference is), and simmer for a further 5 minutes
5) Drain the tea into a mug
6) Allow the tea to cool slightly
7) Serve and enjoy!
What's special about these herbs?
A combination of these two ingredients makes a delightful blend for health and wellbeing. This recipe is sought-after by those looking for a herbal drink to suppress cold symptoms, as Ginger Root is great for fighting infections and improving heart health/function. On the other hand, Goji Berries are great to be remedial for diabetes, with them being popular ingredients in rich Chinese stews.
October
Spooky season is upon us, so here's a fa'boo'lous herbal tea to supplement the 'Trick or Treating' at the end of the month...
Just Cinnamon Tea
Ingredients
1 - Dried Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)
1 - Black tea bag
1 - Cup of water
Method
1) Place the Dried Cinnamon Bark in the cup
2) Boil the water and mix into the cup
3) Cover the cup and steep the ingredients for around 10 minutes
4) Add the black tea bag to the mixture
5) Steep for a further 1-2 minutes
6) Remove the tea bag and cinnamon bark
7) Serve warm-hot, and enjoy!
What's special about Dried Cinnamon Bark?
Often used as a natural toothpaste alternative, cinnamon can be protective against bacteria living in your mouth which causes bad breath, tooth decay, and mouth infections. Consuming the herb may help blood sugar levels, promote brain function, fight infections/viruses, improve skin & heart health, fight allergies, act as a natural food preservative/sweetener and help with anti-inflammatory properties.
November
With the days becoming shorter, you're probably planning your hibernation tactics for the foreseeable future. Here's a delightful blend to pair with a night in on the sofa...
Eight Treasures Tea
Ingredients (Part 1)
1 tbsp - Green tea leaves
1/2 cup - Dried Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ye Ju Hua)
1 tsp - Dried Rosebuds (Mei Gui Hua)
1 tsp - Dried Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi / Wolf Berries)
4 - Big Jujube Dates (Da Hong Zao)
4 slices - Dried Prince Ginseng Root (Tai Zi Shen)
4 - Dried Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou)
Ingredients (Part 2)
4 - Dried Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ye Ju Hua)
4 - Dried Rosebuds (Mei Gui Hua)
16 - Dried Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi / Wolf Berries)
4 - Big Jujube Dates (Da Hong Zao)
4 slices - Dried Prince Ginseng Root (Tai Zi Shen)
4 - Dried Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou)
12 small pieces / 12g - Rock sugar / Brown sugar
Method
1) Combine all ingredients in Part 1 together in a large tea pot.
2) Add boiling water and allow the mixture to steep for a few minutes
3) Mix all ingredients in Part 2 together, then divided into four separate servings (you can use 4 different cups)
4) Pour the tea mixture from the large tea pot into the serving cups
5) Top up the large tea pot with hot water, and mix in the rock sugar / brown sugar (your choice)
6) Mix together and allow to cool for around 1 minute
7) Serve and enjoy!
What's special about the Eight Treasures Formula?
For the new ingredients which have made their first appearance in this tea, they are prized herbs for their array of benefits for health and wellbeing.
Dried Longan Fruit is a small, seasonal fruit that comes in bunches. It is about the size of a grape and beneath the flesh, it possesses a sweet, succulent and translucent centre. Also commonly referred to as 'Dragon Eyes', this tasty ingredient is prized in China for its warming and tonic properties. It is said to be good for the spleen, heart, kidneys, lungs, mental faculties, and has been prescribed to treat nervous disorders.
Dried Rosebuds are a popular herbal ingredient for a number of teas, and are predominantly known for their healing properties. They are said to be good for assisting with anti-aging, wrinkles, oily/acne-prone skin, mental health disorders, stress, menopausal symptoms, irregular or heavy periods, fight bacterial infections, aid the digestive system, treat constipation and restore balance of emotional health/calm the nervous system.
Dried Prince Ginseng Root are typically found in Chinese provinces such as Jiangsu, Anhui and Shandong. Tai Zi Shen. With a slight smell and sweet flavour, they are believed to be beneficial for fatigue, poor appetite, insomnia, shortness of breath, cough, dryness in the mouth, generating bodily fluids, tonifying the lungs and treating chronic febrile disorders.
December
As the chills roll in before the festive season, we're concluding our herbal tea calendar with a special blend of delightful herbal ingredients...
Green Bean and Liquorice Tea
Ingredients
1 oz - Dried Prepared Chinese Foxglove Root (Shu Di Huang)
1/4 cup - Dried Green Mung Beans (Lu Dou/Luk Dou)
1/4 cup - Dried Coix Seeds (Job's Tears/Yi Yi Ren/Chinese Pearl Barley)
3-4 slices - Dried Liquorice Root (Sliced) (Gan Cao)
10 cups - Water
1/2 cup - Raw sugar (white/brown your choice)
Method
1) Rinse all ingredients under running water to remove residue
2) Combine all herbs into a large pot and add the 10 cups of water
3) Cover the pot, and place over high heat for around 15 minutes
4) After this time, lower the heat to medium-low for a further 30 minutes
5) Once this time has elapsed, remove from heat and add in the sugar and stir
6) Next, strain the tea into a fresh bowl
7) Allow the tea to cool for 1 minute
8) Serve and enjoy!
Summary
Now that you've got 12 authentic Chinese herbal tea recipes to try for each month of 2022, we hope you find a new favourite over the course of this year!
The best bit about all of this? Our complete range of culinary herbs are grown using traditional methods to ensure you receive the highest quality ingredients for your cuppa.
Typically, other producers of these herbs treat them with sulphur which significantly reduces the concentration/quality, in favour of a longer shelf-life. We're proud to state that the complete Vita Herbal Nutrition range is grown using tradition DaoDI concepts to preserve a herb's true quality.
Below is an example of a herb's concentration ratio treated with sulphur, compared to being prepared with DaoDI concepts.
If you have any further queries or would like access to additional herbal tea recipes, please email us directly via: info@vitaherbalnutrition.com and we'll be happy to help.