Introduction
Every time the seasons change, temperature fluctuations and dry air can lead to some minor discomforts: itchy throat, dry nose, or just feeling tired. At this time, a cup of warm herbal tea becomes the gentlest comfort. There's no need for complicated ingredients; common kitchen ingredients can be combined into delicious and nourishing herbal teas. Today, I share three simple herbal tea recipes. Each one contains the subtle wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine - using food gently to take care of the body, adapting to seasonal changes, making the spleen and stomach comfortable, and keeping the body stable.
Ginger Jujube Warming Tea
Recommended for: cold hands and feet in autumn and winter, sneezing after being exposed to wind, and a cold abdomen
Ingredients needed:
- 3 slices of ginger (about the size of a thumb, with skin)
- 4 red dates (pitted and split open)
- 1 small spoon of brown sugar (optional)
- 500 ml of water
Instructions:
1. Slice the ginger and split the red dates, then put them into a small pot.
2. Add water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.
3. Turn off the heat, filter, and add brown sugar before drinking.
(You can also use a thermos: put all the ingredients into a thermos, add boiling water, and let it steep for 15 minutes.)
Mild调理 Principle:
Ginger warms the body and helps to sweat out initial coldness; red dates nourish the spleen and stomach, promoting smoother blood circulation. Together, they act like a small blanket for the body, suitable for drinking a cup every day when the weather turns cold. Note: Do not drink too much if you feel hot or have a fever.
Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Moisturizing Tea
Recommended for: dry eyes, dry mouth and tongue, and sore throat due to "heat"
Ingredients needed:
- 5 dried chrysanthemums (Hangzhou white chrysanthemum or贡菊)
- 10 goji berries
- A little bit of rock sugar (optional)
- 300 ml of boiling water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chrysanthemums and goji berries quickly with cold water.
2. Put them into a cup and pour boiling water over them.
3. Cover and let it steep for 5 minutes until the fragrance is released, then enjoy.
Mild调理 Principle:
Chrysanthemum disperses wind-heat and moistens the head and eyes; goji berries nourish the liver and kidneys and replenish body fluids. Combined, they are cooling but not cold, moisturizing but not greasy, suitable for drinking when spending long hours in front of a screen or in an air-conditioned room. It helps relieve dryness-related discomforts and restore the body's moisture balance.
Dried Tangerine Peel and Honey Balancing Tea
Recommended for: bloating after meals, slow digestion, poor appetite, and a feeling of闷 in the stomach
Ingredients needed:
- 1 small piece of dried tangerine peel (about 3 grams, broken into pieces)
- 1 small spoon of honey
- 300 ml of boiling water
Instructions:
1. Wash the dried tangerine peel with warm water and put it into a cup.
2. Pour boiling water over it, cover, and let it steep for 10 minutes.
3. Once the water cools down to below 60°C, add honey and stir well.
Mild调理 Principle:
Dried tangerine peel regulates qi and strengthens the spleen, aiding digestion, especially suitable for drinking after consuming greasy foods. Honey moistens dryness and improves taste. This tea gently encourages the spleen and stomach to function, making the body feel lighter. Note: Avoid drinking if you have excessive stomach acid or are experiencing diarrhea.
Summary
These three herbal teas are simple in ingredients and quick to prepare, yet address the most common issues during seasonal changes. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes "adapting to the seasons for nourishment," using the most ordinary foods around us to gently adjust the body without forcing it. Instead, it carefully listens to the body's needs. Spend a few minutes each day brewing a cup of tea, letting the warmth flow from your throat to your stomach. Your body will know you're taking care of it.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have persistent discomfort or severe symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly. Everyone has different constitutions, so adjust according to your own condition before consumption. Those allergic should avoid the corresponding ingredients.