Herbal Teas
Red Jujube & Ginkgo Nut Soup (Dazao Baiguo Tang)
Red Jujube & Ginkgo Nut Soup is a classic medicinal sweet soup derived from folk remedies. Red jujubes tonify the middle and nourish blood; ginkgo nuts (baiguo) have the effects of astringing the lung, relieving wheezing, and reducing leukorrhea and enuresis. Together, they achieve the effects of tonifying the middle, benefiting qi, astringing the lung, relieving wheezing, nourishing blood, and calming the mind. The soup is warm and sweet, with soft, fragrant jujubes and chewy, smooth ginkgo nuts. It is especially suitable as a daily wellness soup during the dry autumn and winter seasons, or for those suffering from cough, frequent urination, and enuresis.
Main Ingredients
- Red jujubes (Chinese dates) 10-30 pieces
- Ginkgo nuts (baiguo) 10-15 pieces
- Rock sugar to taste
- Water as needed
Steps
Wash 10-30 red jujubes thoroughly. Use a brush under running water to clean the sand and dirt trapped in the wrinkled skin. Soak briefly after washing if desired. Gently crack the shells of 10-15 ginkgo nuts and remove the kernels. Soak the kernels in warm water for 5 minutes, then peel off the thin outer skin. Use a toothpick or small knife to remove the green germ (core) from the center of each kernel – this is the most toxic part and must be removed.
Place the prepared jujubes and ginkgo nut kernels in a small pot. Add enough water (about 500-800ml) to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. For a softer texture, extend cooking time to 40 minutes.
Add rock sugar to taste and continue cooking until fully dissolved. Turn off the heat, transfer to a bowl, and consume warm for best results. Recommended before bedtime for cough and enuresis relief.
TCM Notes
Red Jujubes: Warm in nature, sweet in taste; enter the Spleen and Stomach meridians. Known for tonifying the middle, benefiting qi, nourishing blood, and calming the mind. Rich in vitamin C and various minerals that help boost immunity; contain cyclic AMP that helps regulate allergic reactions. Ginkgo Nuts: Neutral in nature, sweet in taste; astringe lung qi, relieve wheezing, and strengthen the kidneys. Rich in nutrients that benefit lung qi, treat cough and wheezing, reduce enuresis, and protect blood vessels. Synergistic Effect: Jujubes tonify qi and nourish blood; ginkgo nuts astringe the lung and strengthen the kidneys. Together, they are effective for chronic cough, recurrent colds, frequent urination, and enuresis.
Suitable for：Those with chronic cough, recurrent colds, and coughing Those with frequent urination and enuresis (bedwetting) Those with qi and blood deficiency, fatigue, and weakness Those with poor sleep and restlessness General population for autumn and winter wellness
Not suitable for：Pregnant women – ginkgo nuts contain trace toxic compounds that may affect fetal development Infants and children under 2 years old – digestive systems are not fully developed Diabetes patients – jujubes are high in sugar and may raise blood glucose Those with wind-heat external patterns – symptoms include fever, slight chills, cough with yellow phlegm, and sore throat Those with phlegm-dampness or prone to上火 (excessive internal heat) Those with allergies – use with caution Those with weak digestion – consume in moderation Avoid consuming with liquor – may cause gastrointestinal discomfort ⚠️ Ginkgo Nut Safety Notice: Ginkgo nuts contain trace amounts of hydrocyanic acid glycoside toxins. They must be shelled, have their cores (germs) removed, and be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Adults should not exceed 10 ginkgo nuts per day; children over 2 years old should not exceed 3. The green germ (core) inside the ginkgo nut is the most toxic part and must be completely removed before eating. Never consume raw ginkgo nuts. If symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness occur after consumption, seek medical attention immediately.
