Herbal Teas
Dried Fig & Longan Tea (Wuhuaguo Guiyuan Cha)
Dried Fig & Longan Tea is a classic wellness tea originating from folk remedies, with the effects of nourishing yin, calming the mind, tonifying qi and blood, strengthening the spleen, and moistening the lungs [7†L7][8†L5]. Dried figs are sweet in taste and neutral in nature, entering the Lung, Spleen, and Large Intestine meridians, known for clearing heat, generating fluids, strengthening the spleen, moistening the lungs, relieving sore throat, and moistening the intestines [2†L5][8†L3-L4]. Dried longan (longan aril) is sweet in taste and warm in nature, entering the Heart and Spleen meridians, known for tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing blood, calming the mind, and tonifying qi and blood [4†L23-L24][11†L23]. Together, the refreshing sweetness of figs and the rich flavor of longan blend into a sweet, mellow, and soothing tea. It achieves the effects of calming the mind, tonifying qi and blood, strengthening the spleen, and moistening the lungs [1†L13][12†L5] – an ideal daily wellness tea for relieving insomnia, fatigue, and throat discomfort.
Main Ingredients
- Dried figs 2-3 pieces
- Dried longan (longan aril) 5-8 pieces
- Water 500-800ml
Steps
Place 2 figs (cut into pieces) and 5 longan pieces into a cup [5†L6].
Pour about 300-500ml of boiling water over the ingredients and cover.
Steep for 10-15 minutes before drinking. Can be re-brewed 2-3 times.
TCM Notes
Dried Figs: Sweet in taste, neutral in nature; enters the Lung, Spleen, and Large Intestine meridians [9†L3]. Known for clearing heat, generating fluids, strengthening the spleen, moistening the lungs, relieving sore throat, and moistening the intestines [2†L5][8†L4]. Rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Contains enzymes that aid digestion [8†L4]. Dietary fiber helps promote intestinal motility [1†L11]. Dried Longan (Longan Aril) : Sweet in taste, warm in nature; enters the Heart and Spleen meridians [4†L23-L24][11†L23]. Known for tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing blood, calming the mind, and tonifying qi and blood [4†L23-L24][8†L5]. The Bencao Qiuzhen states that it "has blood-tonifying power within its qi-tonifying effects" [4†L11]. Rich in glucose, protein, and iron, it promotes hemoglobin synthesis in bone marrow [8†L10]. Also rich in vitamin P, which protects blood vessels and prevents hardening [4†L12]. Synergistic Effect: Figs are neutral and moistening, good at clearing internal heat and moistening lung dryness; longan is warm and sweet, good at nourishing heart blood and calming the mind [4†L23-L24]. Together, they balance each other – one clears, the other tonifies – achieving the effects of calming the mind, tonifying qi and blood, strengthening the spleen, and moistening the lungs [1†L13][7†L7].
Suitable for：Those with insomnia, restlessness, irritability, and anxiety [7†L7][12†L5] Those with qi and blood deficiency, sallow complexion, and fatigue [0†L8][1†L5] Those with mental fatigue, overthinking, and poor memory [4†L24] Those with dry sore throat, hoarseness, and dry mouth [0†L22][8†L4] Those with poor appetite, indigestion, and weak spleen and stomach [1†L11][12†L5] Those with menopausal hot flashes and internal heat [7†L7] General population for daily wellness
Not suitable for：Those with internal heat, inflammation, or上火 (excessive internal heat) – longan is warm in nature and may worsen symptoms [2†L19][11†L5][11†L16] Those with yin deficiency with internal heat or phlegm-fire [11†L24] Those with colds, fever, or cough with excessive phlegm – avoid during illness [0†L12][11†L10] Diabetes patients – longan is high in sugar [2†L13][2†L26][8†L10-L11] Those with damp-heat constitution or yellow greasy tongue coating Pregnant women – longan is warm in nature; consult a doctor before consuming Those allergic to figs or longan
