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Herbal Teas

Recipe Name: Red Date, Lotus Seed and Roasted Barley Tea

A gentle, golden grain tea with a deeply comforting aroma. Pan-roasted barley releases its warm, toasty fragrance, while red dates lend a soft sweetness and fresh lotus seeds bring a delicate, slightly crisp note. The brew is clear and mellow on the tongue, with a clean, nutty finish — a quietly soothing cup that eases your mind and settles your stomach, perfect for moments when you need a calm, gentle reset.

  • Herbal Teas
  • p2
  • Move qi and relieve vexation
  • Tonify the middle and replenish qi
  • Fortify the spleen and promote digestion
  • Nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Gathering & Sharing
  • Afternoon Tea
Recipe Name: Red Date, Lotus Seed and Roasted Barley Tea
Servings
2
Prep
10 min
Cook
8 min

Main Ingredients

  • Fresh lotus seeds 10-25 pieces
  • Barley malt (barley) as needed
  • Red dates (jujubes) 2-5 pieces

Steps

  1. Remove the lotus seeds from the fresh lotus pod, and peel off their outer skin. 「For fresh young lotus seeds, there is no need to remove the lotus core (germ).」

    Recipe Name: Red Date, Lotus Seed and Roasted Barley Tea

  2. Filter out any impurities from the barley malt, then place it into a wok or pan and dry-roast until fragrant and cooked.

    Recipe Name: Red Date, Lotus Seed and Roasted Barley Tea

  3. Pour cold water into a pot. When it comes to a rolling boil over high heat, add the roasted barley malt and boil for 3 minutes.

    Recipe Name: Red Date, Lotus Seed and Roasted Barley Tea

  4. Strain through a mesh sieve and discard the first infusion of barley tea.

    Recipe Name: Red Date, Lotus Seed and Roasted Barley Tea

  5. Return the strained barley malt to the pot. When it boils again, add the lotus seeds and red dates.

    Recipe Name: Red Date, Lotus Seed and Roasted Barley Tea

  6. After 2 minutes, strain through a mesh sieve to remove the solids.

    Recipe Name: Red Date, Lotus Seed and Roasted Barley Tea

TCM Notes

Roasted barley malt is traditionally valued for aiding digestion, reducing food stagnation, and soothing the spleen. Red dates replenish qi and blood while calming the spirit. Fresh lotus seeds — with their natural green cores kept intact — are known to clear heart fire, calm the mind, and nourish the kidneys. Together, they create a balanced, caffeine-free brew that supports both digestion and emotional ease.

Suitable for：The general population can enjoy this tea. It is particularly suitable for those with indigestion, bloating, poor appetite, mental stress, irritability or insomnia, excessive mental work, and anyone seeking a calming, digestive-friendly daily drink.

Not suitable for：Breastfeeding women should avoid this tea, as barley malt can reduce milk supply. People with a weak, cold spleen and stomach (loose stools, diarrhea) should not drink too much. Those managing blood sugar should remove or reduce the red dates.

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