Herbal Teas
Rose and Kumquat Drink
Rose and Kumquat Drink is a classic Chinese medicinal tea for soothing the liver and relieving depression. Made with roses and kumquats as the main ingredients, combined with Buddha's hand (or preserved kumquat), it can be steeped or decocted. Roses are sweet and slightly bitter in taste, warm in nature, and channel to the Liver and Spleen meridians. They are known for promoting Qi flow, relieving depression, harmonizing blood, and relieving pain. Kumquats are pungent and sweet in taste, warm in nature, and channel to the Liver and Stomach meridians. They are known for regulating Qi, relieving depression, resolving phlegm, and awakening the spleen. Together, roses soothe the liver and relieve depression, while kumquats regulate Qi and resolve phlegm, achieving the combined effects of soothing the liver, relieving depression, promoting Qi flow, activating blood, and harmonizing the stomach. The tea has a light reddish color with a floral and citrus aroma, and a pleasantly sweet and sour taste. This drink is especially suitable for daily consumption by those with liver Qi stagnation, chest and hypochondriac distension, breast distension, stomach discomfort, insomnia, and irritability.
Main Ingredients
- Dried rose petals 6g (about 6 buds)
- Preserved kumquat Half a piece
- Honey or rock sugar A small amount
- Water 500ml
Steps
Separate the rose petals from the calyx, rinse, and air dry. Chop the preserved kumquat into small pieces.
Place the prepared rose petals and chopped preserved kumquat into a covered cup. Add freshly boiled water, cover tightly, and steep for 15 minutes.
Drink as a tea, frequently throughout the day. Can be re-steeped 3-5 times and consumed within the same day. The rose petals and preserved kumquat can also be chewed and eaten.
TCM Notes
Modern Nutrition & Pharmacological Research: Soothing the liver and relieving depression: Roses enter the Liver meridian, relieving liver depression and improving chest tightness, hypochondriac pain, irritability, and depression. Kumquats also have Qi-regulating and depression-relieving effects. Promoting Qi flow and activating blood: Roses "harmonize blood and relieve depression"; kumquats promote Qi flow. Together, they effectively relieve premenstrual breast distension caused by Qi stagnation and blood stasis. Harmonizing the stomach and resolving phlegm: Kumquats can regulate Qi, resolve phlegm, and relieve bloating. Buddha's hand harmonizes the stomach and relieves pain, improving stomach discomfort and poor appetite caused by liver Qi invading the stomach. Calming the spirit and promoting sleep: Roses and kumquats together relieve liver depression, helping to improve insomnia, restlessness, and irritability.
Suitable for：Those with liver Qi stagnation (chest and hypochondriac distension, breast distension, frequent sighing, irritability, or depression) Those with premenstrual breast distension (especially effective when consumed for 7 days before menstruation) Those prone to irritability, insomnia, restlessness, and fatigue in spring Those with stomach discomfort and poor appetite Generally suitable for spring wellness to soothe the liver and relieve depression
Not suitable for：Pregnant women: Roses have blood-activating properties and are not recommended Women with heavy menstrual flow: Roses may increase bleeding and are not recommended Those allergic to roses, Buddha's hand, or kumquats
