Herbal Teas
Rock Sugar, Codonopsis, and Jujube Tea
Rock Sugar, Codonopsis, and Jujube Tea is a classic Chinese medicinal tea for benefiting qi and nourishing blood. Made with Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) and jujube (red dates) as the main ingredients, sweetened with rock sugar. Codonopsis is sweet in taste, neutral in nature, and channels to the Spleen and Lung meridians. It is known for tonifying the middle and supplementing qi, strengthening the spleen and benefiting the lungs, and nourishing blood and promoting salivation. Its effects are similar to ginseng but milder, making it suitable for daily wellness. Jujubes are sweet in taste, warm in nature, and channel to the Spleen and Stomach meridians. They are known for tonifying the middle and supplementing qi, and nourishing blood and calming the spirit. Rock sugar moistens the lungs, relieves coughs, and tonifies the middle. Together, they achieve the combined effects of nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, nourishing blood, and benefiting qi. The tea has a reddish color, with the aroma of jujubes and the herbal fragrance of Codonopsis blending together. This tea is especially suitable for daily consumption by those with spleen-lung deficiency, qi-blood deficiency, shortness of breath, palpitations, poor appetite, loose stools, and deficiency-type coughs.
Main Ingredients
- Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) 15g
- Jujubes (red dates) 15g
- Rock sugar 15g
- Water 800ml
Steps
Rinse the Codonopsis quickly to remove surface dust. Rinse the jujubes, remove the pits (the pits are slightly warming and pose a safety hazard), and tear or cut them open to release more flavor.
Place the Codonopsis and jujubes into a clay pot or stainless steel pot. Add approximately 500-800ml of water. Bring to a boil over low heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add rock sugar, stirring until fully dissolved, then turn off the heat. For a smoother texture, strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
TCM Notes
Modern Pharmacological Research: Qi and blood tonification: Codonopsis tonifies the middle and supplements qi, enhancing spleen and stomach function; jujubes are rich in iron and vitamin C, promoting hematopoiesis. Together, they effectively improve qi-blood deficiency symptoms such as sallow complexion and fatigue. Spleen and lung health: Codonopsis channels to the Spleen and Lung, improving spleen-lung deficiency symptoms such as poor appetite, loose stools, and deficiency-type coughs. Immunity enhancement: Codonopsis polysaccharides enhance immune function. Studies have shown that Codonopsis can increase white blood cell count. Blood nourishment and spirit calming: Jujubes nourish blood and calm the spirit, relieving fatigue and improving sleep quality. Anti-fatigue: Codonopsis improves fatigue and poor appetite, making it suitable for those with chronic fatigue.
Suitable for：Those with spleen-lung deficiency (poor appetite, loose stools, deficiency-type coughs) Those with qi-blood deficiency (sallow complexion, fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations) Those with general weakness and post-illness recovery Those with chronic fatigue and low energy Women seeking daily nourishment (blood-tonifying and beautifying) Middle-aged and older adults (daily qi-blood nourishment and immunity enhancement) Generally suitable for most people in moderation
Not suitable for：Those with a hot constitution or prone to internal heat: Both Codonopsis and jujubes are warming tonics; long-term consumption may worsen dry mouth and constipation Diabetics: Jujubes and rock sugar are high in sugar — strictly control intake or omit sugar Those with hyperlipidemia or requiring caloric control: Should not add sugar Those with colds, fever, or unresolved external infections — not suitable for tonification Pregnant women, children, and other special populations: Should consume only under medical supervision Those allergic to Codonopsis or jujubes
