Herbal Teas
Dried Fig & Honeysuckle Tea
Dried Fig & Honeysuckle Tea is a classic throat-soothing medicinal tea recommended by experts from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Autumn and winter are peak seasons for chronic pharyngitis, as cold weather and dry climate can worsen symptoms; this tea effectively alleviates chronic pharyngitis symptoms. Dried figs are sweet in taste and cool in nature, entering the Lung, Stomach, and Large Intestine meridians, known for clearing heat, generating fluids, moistening the lungs, strengthening the spleen, and detoxifying. Honeysuckle is sweet in taste and cold in nature, entering the Lung and Stomach meridians, known for clearing heat, detoxifying, and reducing inflammation and swelling. Together, the refreshing sweetness of figs and the delicate fragrance of honeysuckle blend into a sweet, mellow tea, achieving the effects of clearing heat, relieving sore throat, reducing swelling, relieving pain, moistening the lungs, and generating fluids. This tea is especially suitable for long-term conditioning of chronic pharyngitis, sore throat, and hoarseness.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh figs 5 pieces
- Dried honeysuckle flowers 15-20g
- Ophiopogon root (Maidong) 12g
- Rock sugar or honey to taste
- Water 500-800ml
Steps
Rinse 5 fresh figs (or 5-8 dried figs) and slice thinly; rinse 15-20g of honeysuckle quickly to remove dust; if using 12g of Ophiopogon root, rinse and set aside.
Put the sliced figs, honeysuckle (and Ophiopogon root, if using) into a glass pot or large cup. Pour freshly boiled water (about 500-800ml) over the ingredients. Cover and steep for 30 minutes before drinking.
Add rock sugar or honey to taste if desired. Consume 1 dose daily, drinking frequently as tea for 5-7 consecutive days. Finally, chew and eat the fig slices to make full use of dietary fiber and nutrients. Can be re-brewed until flavor fades.
TCM Notes
Dried Figs: Sweet in taste, cool (or neutral) in nature; enters the Lung, Stomach, and Large Intestine meridians. Known for clearing heat, generating fluids, strengthening the spleen, moistening the lungs, relieving sore throat, and moistening the intestines. Contains malic acid, citric acid, lipase, protease, and hydrolase, which aid digestion, increase appetite, and help lower blood pressure and prevent coronary heart disease. Choose figs that are flat-round in shape, yellow-skinned, soft-fleshed, and sweet-tasting. Honeysuckle: Sweet in taste, cold in nature; enters the Lung, Heart, and Stomach meridians. Known for clearing heat, detoxifying, and dispersing wind-heat. Used for carbuncles, sore throat, wind-heat colds, and febrile diseases. Modern research shows it has broad-spectrum antibacterial effects. Known as the "superior remedy for clearing heat and detoxifying." Ophiopogon Root (Maidong, optional) : Sweet and slightly bitter, slightly cold in nature; enters the Heart, Lung, and Stomach meridians. Known for nourishing yin, generating fluids, and moistening the lungs. Synergistic Effect: Figs clear heat, moisten the lungs, and relieve sore throat; honeysuckle clears heat, detoxifies, and reduces inflammation. Together, they achieve the effects of clearing heat, relieving sore throat, reducing swelling, and generating fluids. This tea is very low in calories and rich in various vitamins and trace elements – a moisturizing wellness tea.
Suitable for：Those with chronic pharyngitis, sore throat, and hoarseness Those with wind-heat colds manifesting as fever, sore throat, and cough Those who frequently smoke or overuse their voice, with dry mouth Those with throat discomfort due to autumn-winter dryness Those with heat-toxin accumulation manifesting as carbuncles and sores General population for summer heat relief and clearing internal heat
Not suitable for：Those with Spleen-Stomach Cold Deficiency – both honeysuckle and figs are cooling in nature; may damage Spleen yang and worsen symptoms such as cold intolerance, abdominal cold pain, and loose stools Pregnant women – honeysuckle is cold in nature and may stimulate the uterus, increasing the risk of premature labor Women during menstruation – honeysuckle is cold in nature and may cause qi and blood stagnation, leading to menstrual disorders or dysmenorrhea Those with qi deficiency and thin pus in sores – not suitable Those with wind-cold colds – this tea is for wind-heat, not wind-cold Those with hypotension – use with caution Those allergic to figs or honeysuckle Not suitable for long-term excessive consumption – honeysuckle is cold in nature and should only be consumed temporarily during hot seasons
