Embrace Spring Energy: Qi-Regulating Floral Tea for the Season

 

Kit Li

As gentle spring breezes carry warmth, the lingering cold of winter slowly retreats. Yang energy begins to rise, vitality returns, and the natural world stirs from its winter rest, plants sprout, animals become active, and life renews itself. 

Today is the 4th of February, the Beginning of Spring (Lichun,立春), the first of the 24th solar terms in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. It marks the onset of early spring, symbolizing the revival of all living things and the arrival of the spring season. 

The first day of spring is the true beginning of this transformation, symbolizing renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings. It is a key moment to align with nature’s rhythms, setting intentions for the year ahead. By adjusting daily habits, diet, and mindset to support the upward movement of spring energy, one can cultivate balance, strengthen vitality, and promote overall physical and mental well-being.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring corresponds to the Liver.  The Liver favours free flow and dislikes constraint, so daily habits in Spring should align with the season's rising and expanding energy.  The Liver governs the free flow of Qi and is responsible for regulating and harmonizing the body's overall Qi movement.

Whether Qi flows smoothly directly affects the circulation of blood and body fluids, the digestive and transformative functions of the Spleen and Stomach, emotional balance, and reproductive function.  The Liver's role in regulating Qi is therefore a key condition for maintaining normal physiological activities throughout the body.

For mental and emotional nourishment, it is important to keep an open heart and mind, remain optimistic, calm and content.  Emotionally, maintaining a bright and positive state of mind while welcoming the vitality of Spring helps promote the Liver's natural upward and outward movement of Qi.

Therefore, I’d like to introduce a floral tea that helps regulate Qi and support emotional balance, especially during the chilly, damp days of early Spring, bringing warmth and cheer to the season.

Pear, Aged Tangerine Peel, Green Tea & Rose Tea

This s a  health-promoting tea that moistens the lungs, relieves cough, regulates qi, eases mood, and clears heat and toxins.  Suitable for: dry throat, cough, chest tightness, or bloating and alleviating the anxiety.

• Chinese Pear: nourishes yin and moistens the lungs.
• Aged tangerine peel (Chen Pi): regulates qi and resolves phlegm.
• Rose flowers: promote blood circulation, regulate menstruation, and soothe the liver.
• Green tea: clears heat and detoxifies.

Ingredients (for 2 people):

• Chinese Pear: 1 large (or 2 small), cut into pieces
• Aged tangerine peel (Chen Pi): 5 - 6g
• Rose flowers: 2 buds (Large)
• Green tea: 3 - 4g (about 2 small teaspoons total)

Brewing tips (important):

• Simmer Chinese Pear and Chen Pi in water for 15-20 minutes
• Turn off heat, then add rose and green tea
• Steep 2 - 3 minutes only, then strain

When to drink:

• Best late morning or early afternoon
• Drink warm
• 1 - 2 times per week

Precautions:

• Rose flowers: avoid for pregnant women, women with menorrhagia and those with sensitive skin.
• Chen Pi: people with “excess heat” constitution should not drink long-term.
• Consumption: not recommended for daily, long-term use due to the inclusion of rose flowers and tangerine peel.

As we enter the season of renewal, let us move gently with Spring, releasing what was held during winter and allowing Qi to flow freely again. By aligning with nature’s rhythms and supporting the Liver’s natural movement, we create space for clarity, vitality, and emotional balance.

May this simple floral tea accompany you through early Spring, gently nourishing the body, lifting the mood, and inviting growth with ease and harmony.

Managing Winter Dryness: A TCM Perspective on Yin-Deficiency

 Kit Li

Although daytime temperatures have risen into the double digits, the wind is still chillingly cold; therefore, maintaining indoor heating is often necessary. However, prolonged exposure to such an environment without adequate hydration, or overconsumption of hot-natured foods, such as red meat, alcohol, or fried foods, it can easily lead to dry skin, dry mouth or throat, mouth ulcers, constipation, irritability, or insomnia.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this condition is classified as yin deficiency with empty heat.  What can we do?

Today I'm going to introduce you 'Sha Shen, Yu Zhu, Lotus Seed, Lily Bulbs, Chinese Yam & Dried Coconut Soup'.  This soup is a nourishing, yin-tonifying herbal broth that moistens dryness, supports Lung function, and helps relieve cough. It is particularly suitable for winter dryness, dry mouth and throat caused by excessive heating or over-warming, and dry cough with little or no phlegm. The main ingredients: Sha Shen (Adenophora root), Yu Zhu (Solomon’s seal rhizome), lotus seeds, lily bulbs, and dried coconut, they work synergistically to nourish yin, moisten and clear the Lungs, strengthen the Spleen, and calm the mind.

Ingredients & Functions:

1) Sha Shen, Yu Zhu, Dried Coconut

• Nourish yin, moisten dryness, clear heat, and support lung health; helpful for dry cough caused by lung dryness.

2) Lily Bulb

• Nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, calms the mind, and clears heart heat.

3) Lotus Seeds, Dried Chinese Yam

• Strengthen the spleen, tonify qi, support the kidneys, and aid digestion.

Pressure Cooker Method (Serves 2):

Ingredients:

• Sha Shen: 10g
• Yu Zhu: 10g
• Lotus seeds (core removed): 15g
• Dried lily bulbs: 10g
• Dried Chinese yam: 15g
• Dried coconut slices: 20g
• Lean pork or chicken (optional): 200–250g. For a vegetarian option, substitute with cashew nuts.
• Water: 1.2L

Method:

1. Rinse all herbs and soak in warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Blanch the pork or chicken briefly to remove impurities; rinse and set aside.

3. Place all ingredients into the pressure cooker. Add 1.2L of water.

4. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 - 30 minutes.
5. Add salt to taste and serve warm.

Cautions:

1. People with spleen yang-deficiency, loose stools, or poor appetite may find this soup slightly harder to digest, especially if eaten in large quantities.

2. This is a moistening, yin-nourishing soup, which tends to be slightly cooling. People who feel very cold, have cold limbs, or chronic diarrhoea may need to add a warming element (e.g., a small slice of ginger) if appropriate.

3. Allergies: Cashew nuts are a common allergen, dried coconut may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

4. In TCM, excessive yin-nourishing herbs in someone without dryness or yin-deficiency could lead to feelings of heaviness or damp accumulation.

5. Not suitable for those with excess heat patterns, including high fever, red tongue with yellow coating, or cough producing yellow phlegm.

Enjoy this nourishing soup warm, and let it gently restore your yin, moisten dryness, and support your lungs and digestion during the colder months. Perfect as a comforting winter meal, it not only nourishes the body but also calms the mind, bringing balance and wellness from the inside out.

TCM Approach to Bereavement-Related Depression with Heart-Liver-Spleen Disharmony

 

Kit Li

Two weeks ago, a male patient had been suffering from depression since the death of a family member last September. Since then, he had been severely depressed and emotionally suppressed, experiencing mixed feelings, particularly unexpressed anger, as he continues to move through the stages of bereavement (denial, anger, depression, bargaining and acceptance). (1) 

He came to me after being referred by his best friend, who had experienced approximately 80% recovery from an anxiety disorder after receiving scalp acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine for over six weeks.

In this case, the patient had never received any acupuncture treatment before, including scalp acupuncture. I advised him to remain well hydrated prior to treatment in order to reduce stiffness of the connective tissues (2) in the scalp.

In general, from a TCM perspective, patients suffering from emotional disorders are primarily diagnosed with Qi stagnation. Emotional factors damage the Liver, resulting in Liver Qi constraint. Over time, this gradually affects the functions of the internal organs, particularly the Five Zang organs. (3)  Primarily affecting the Liver, Spleen and Heart, with manifestations of Qi and Blood imbalance.

TCM Diagnosis:

• Liver-Qi stagnation (inexpressive anger mixed with depressed)
• Heart-Blood deficiency (insomnia, forgetful and palpitations)
• Spleen-Qi deficiency with dampness accumulated in the Lower Jiao (fatigue, no appetite)

Pulse:

• Left - cun (weak) and guan (wiry)
• Right - generally weak, guan (slippery)

Tongue:

• pale, thin coating
• teethmarks
• red tip of the tongue

TCM treatment Plans:

• Regulating Qi and Blood
• Calm the Shen
• Strengthening Spleen and immunity

Acupoints:

• Scalp Acupuncture is always my primarily treatment as it's excellent for Emotional Disorders: Head Area, Spirit Emotion Area...etc.
• Abdominal Acupuncture: Dao-qi technique was applied with the key points on Ren-mai which is good for regulating emotions, also supporting digestion.
• Key body acupoints were selected to regulate Qi, tonify the Spleen and Stomach, nourish Blood, calm the Shen, and clear dampness.

Chinese Herbal Prescriptions:

Gui Pi Wan (4, 5): This formula is for tonify Qi and Blood. it also tonifies Spleen-Qi, nourishes Heart-Blood, as well as calms the Shen.  The core ingredients are:

1) Qi-tonifying and strengthen the Spleen:

• RenShen (Ginseng Root)
• Huang Qi (Astragalus Root)
• BaiZhu (Atractylodes Rhizome)
• FuLing (Poria)

2) Blood nourishing and Calms the Shen:

• DangGui (Chinese Angelica Root)
• SuanZaoRen (Sour Jujube Seed)
• LongYanRou (Longan Fruit)
• YuanZhi (Polugala Root)

After two weeks of taking the prescribed medication combined with acupuncture treatment once a week, he feels more settled. His sleep has improved significantly, and he reports increased energy levels as a result of better quality sleep.  Overall, his condition shows clear improvement, and the treatment appears to be effective at this stage.

References:

1) The Stages of Bereavement: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/grief-bereavement-loss/

2) From a TCM and anatomical perspective, good hydration can help:  Improve tissue elasticity
    reduce tightness in the scalp’s connective tissues, make needle insertion more comfortable, 
    potentially enhance circulation during scalp acupuncture.

3) Five Zang Organs (Wu Zang):  In TCM, the Five Zang organs are core Yin organs that store vital          substances (Qi, Blood, Body Fluids, Essence) and support overall physiological and psychological       balance. They are not just anatomical organs but functional systems with emotional and elemental          associations. 

4) Prescription of chinese herbal medicine and selection of acupoints in pattern-based traditional                 chinese medicine treatment for insomnia: a systematic review:                                                                 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23259001/

5) Effect of Kami Guibi-Tang (KGT) in elderly subjects with insomnia: a study protocol from a single        center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial:                                         https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-023-04199-y?utm_source

Brown Sugar Ginger Water: A Simple Comfort

 

Kit Li

A very close friend of mine, who lives far away, called me this afternoon asking for help. Her teenage daughter was experiencing intense cramping and had been lying in bed on the first day of her menstrual cycle.

Without hesitation, I suggested preparing brown sugar ginger water to help soothe the pain, warm the meridians, and dispel cold from her abdomen.

Two hours later, I checked in again. Thankfully, her daughter was able to fall asleep, and the pain had eased significantly.

What is brown sugar ginger water? It might sound like magic, but it’s actually a simple, traditional remedy. Made with just ginger and brown sugar, ingredients most people already have in their kitchen, it has powerful effects. Ginger (1, 2) helps warm the body, improve circulation, and ease cramps, while brown sugar provides gentle energy and comfort. Together, they soothe pain, relax tense muscles, and help dispel cold from the abdomen, making it especially useful during the first days of a menstrual cycle.

Did you know that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, fresh ginger, dried ginger, and prepared dried ginger can all be used in formulas, but each is chosen to treat different symptoms?

1. Fresh Ginger (Shēng Jiāng)

•     Nature / Flavor: Slightly warm, pungent
•     Channels entered: Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Functions:

• Releases the exterior and disperses wind-cold
• Warms the middle and stops nausea
• Resolves phlegm and detoxifies

Best for:

• Early-stage wind-cold colds
• Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite
• Mild cold in the middle burner

Most suitable for daily use and cooking.

2. Dried Ginger (Gān Jiāng)

• Nature / Flavour: Hot, pungent
• Channels entered: Heart, Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Functions:

• Warms the middle and dispels deep interior cold
• Rescues devastated Yang
• Warms the Lung and transforms thin mucus

Best for:

• Severe cold in the Spleen and Stomach
• Cold pain in the abdomen
• Yang deficiency with cold extremities, diarrhoea

Not suitable for heat conditions or long-term daily use.

3. Prepared dried ginger (Pao Gan Jiang)

This distinguishes it from regular dried ginger (Gan Jiang) and indicates it has been processed by heating to modify its properties.

It is warmer and more penetrating than fresh ginger, strongly warming the middle and supporting Yang, but is less harsh than raw dried ginger.

How to make Brown Sugar Ginger Water

Single Serving:

• Wash and peel 3–5 slices of fresh ginger (about 5–10 g). Slice thinly or shred.
• Add 250–300 ml of water to a small pot and bring to a boil. Add the ginger slices.
• Simmer for 10–15 minutes, then add 1–2 teaspoons of brown sugar. Stir until fully dissolved.
• Adjust the brown sugar to taste. Drink warm.
• You can add some red dates or Gouqizi (Goji Berry)

Contraindications

• Suitable for people with Yang deficiency. Not recommended for those with Yin deficiency, heavy phlegm-dampness.

• Not suitable for people with diabetes, gastric ulcers, or haemorrhoids. Ginger is warming and may cause internal heat; avoid consuming ginger at night.

It’s amazing how such a simple drink can bring comfort and ease pain. Brown sugar ginger water warms the body, soothes cramps, and reminds us that small, caring gestures can make a big difference.

References:

1) Ginger for Pain Management in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38770631/

2) Efficacy of Oral Ginger (Zingiber officinale) for Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27274753/

When Healing Begins to Show: Renewal After Chemotherapy

Kit Li

The year 2026 has only just begun, and it already fills me with excitement. Early this morning, I received some wonderful news from one of my patients who has been living with post-chemotherapy symptoms since her diagnosis of cancer several years ago. With great joy, she shared that her hair has finally begun to grow back after remaining absent since the start of her chemotherapy in 2023, something she had never imagined would happen.

My first encounter with Mrs. A occurred approximately five weeks ago. At that time, she appeared notably frail, delicate and vulnerable, reflecting her slow recovery and the cumulative side effects of her medications and chemotherapy. These included chronic fatigue, generalized weakness, peripheral neuropathy (1, 2) in hands and feet, oedema of the right leg, and persistent pain in the lower abdominal region. She confided that she had been experiencing profound depression since her diagnosis, describing the past few years as a nightmare that had left her overwhelmed by hopelessness.

Within six weeks, she has received four treatment sessions, and scheduled once a week. Remarkably, her response has been very positive, with significant and ongoing improvement.

Case Sharing:

Primary concerns: Chronic Fatigue, Sleeping Disorders, Hair Loss (3, 4) for over two years and Peripheral Neuropathy in hands and feet

Pulse: deep and weak generally

Tongue: very pale and thin coating

Pattern Differentiation:

• Qi and Blood deficiency: chronic fatigue, weakness, peripheral neuropathy
• Kidney-yang deficiency: cold extremities, poor circulation
• Heart-Blood deficiency: insomnia, disturbed Shen (Spirit)

Treatment Principles:

1. Warm and tonify Kidney Yang, support Essence
2. Tonify Qi and generate Blood
3. Nourish Heart-Blood, calm Shen
4. Promote circulation to channels

Acupoints: 

1. Key points on Ren-mai (任脉) with Dao-qi technique and particularly on ST-36 (足三里) (5) bilaterally...etc.
2. Body points: KI-1(涌泉), PC-6 (气海), SP-6 (三阴交), HT-3 (少海), HT-7 (神门).....etc.
3. Scalp Acupuncture: Key areas on Sensory Area, Spirit Emotions Area, Reproduction Area...etc.

 

By the third session, her Qi and Blood levels had clearly improved, shown by a stronger and more balanced pulse. She was able to walk more steadily with her walking stick. She had gained some weight, suggesting better digestion and overall nourishment. She appeared more relaxed, her mood was brighter, and her sleep and emotional state were more settled, the most exciting part was seeing her hair begin to grow.  During treatment, she became more open and comfortable talking, sharing her thoughts and feelings more easily.

Chinese Herbal Medicine (6, 7) will be prescribed to help support her immune system and to gently ease some of the side effects caused by chemotherapy. The treatment will be tailored to her condition and used alongside her existing medical care.

References:

1) A TCM Approach to Post-Chemotherapy Fatigue and Neuropathy: Clinical Observations and Patient Feedback: https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/11/managing-post-cancer-symptoms-with-tcm.html

2) Acupuncture for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5359694/

3) Chemotherapy can trigger early menopause or thyroid dysfunction, both of which can cause ongoing hair loss long after treatment ends.

4) Can Acupuncture Help With Hair Loss? https://biologyinsights.com/can-acupuncture-help-with-hair-loss-2/

5) ST36 Acupuncture Point: The Ultimate Guide to Applications, Benefits and Research (2024): https://www.neuroacupuncturerehab.com/blog/st-36

6) How Chinese Herbal Medicine helps with cancer patients: https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/03/how-chinese-herbal-medicine-helps-with.html

7) Tailoring traditional Chinese medicine in cancer therapy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11749133/

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Menopausal Transition

Kit Li

A month ago, a female patient at 54 years-old who had been using Hormones Replacement Therapy (HRT) (1) patches for over 5 years to manage menopausal symptoms.  She consulted me seeking a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach due to persistent symptoms, including breast tenderness, night sweats, constipation, and emotional discomfort.

Following a thorough consultation, I prescribed a modified Geng Nian Kang (更年康) (2) to help alleviate her symptoms and gently support the body's transition throughout the menopausal, this herbal formula addresses common menopausal symptoms (3) and also work synergistically to: 

• Nourish Yin and Blood
• Tonify Qi in the Spleen and Lung
• Invigorate the Kidney and Liver
• Calm the Shen (spirit)
• Clear internal heat

After four weeks of acupuncture treatments combined with Chinese Herbal Medicine, her condition has significantly improved.  She now sleeps better, no longer experiences night sweats, and reports feeling noticeably calmer and more balanced.

From a TCM perspective, menopausal symptoms are primarily associated with imbalances in the Kidney, but also involve the Liver, Heart, Spleen, and sometimes the Lung. These imbalances are often categorized into distinct patterns:

1) Liver and Kidney-yin deficiency: 'The Liver and Kidney share the same source' (肝肾同源).  When Kidney-yin deficiency, it often affects Liver-yin, leading to: dry eyes, blurry vision,  dizziness, irritability, insomnia, menstrual irregularities or infertility in women.

2) Heart and Kidney disharmonized (心肾不交): Kidney-yin helps anchor the Heart-Yang and calm the spirit (Shen), if Kidney-yin is weak, Heart-yin may also become deficient, leading to palpitations, anxiety, insomnia with vivid dreams, and poor memory or concentration.

3) Lung and Kidney-yin deficiency: 'Kidney grasps the Qi'  (肺肾阴虚), especially in respiratory issues,  they  work together to regulate fluid metabolism and breathing, deficiency in both leads to dry cough or chronic dry throat, shortness of breath and wheezing, scanty or sticky sputum, tendency toward yin-type asthma or chronic respiratory issues.

4) Spleen-yin or -qi deficiency (脾气或脾阴虚): chronic Spleen-deficiency (especially Spleen-yin or qi) can eventually affect Kidney-yin through exhaustion of postnatal energy sources.  In reverse, Kidney-yin deficiency may dry fluids, affecting digestion and leading to constipation or dry stools.  

Chinese Herbal Medicines offer a gentle, tailored approach that works in harmony with the body's natural rhythms.  Used under proper guidance, it may serve as a preventive and supportive therapy, particularly for women seeking non-hormonal options or looking to transition off HRT safely.

References: 

1) Hormones Replacement Treatment (HRT)  

HRT is  a medical treatment designed to relieve menopause symptoms, also prescribed for women experiencing  premature menopause or early ovarian insufficiency.  It is claimed to help protect bones and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.  It works by replacing hormones that the body produces less of during menopause, primarily oestrogen, and sometimes progesterone or testosterone, depending on the individual's needs.

However, if long-term used, the risk factors are:

• increased risk of breast cancer (mainly with combined HRT)
• increased risk of blood clots or stroke (especially if started later in life)
• Not suitable for women with a history of certain cancers, blood clots, or liver disease

Study provides new estimates of breast cancer risks associated with HRT (Oct 2020)

 https://bmjgroup.com/study-provides-new-estimates-of-breast-cancer-risks-associated-with-hrt/#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20published%20by%20The%20BMJ%20today,risks%20of%20breast%20cancer%2C%20particularly%20for%20older%20women.

HRT, menopause and breast cancer Tiphaine Boulin, Isla Whitcroft, Hannah Moody Peer reviewed by two members of Breast Cancer UK independent Science Panel (Feb 2024)

https://cdn.breastcanceruk.org.uk/uploads/2024/02/Breast-Cancer-UK_HRT-and-Breast-Cancer-Review-2024.pdf

2) Modified Geng Nian Kang (更年康) has 10 ingredients:

Shudihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata): nourishing yin and blood

ShanYao (Chinese Yam): tonifies qi in Lung and Spleen

Zhimu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge): expels heat

Danggui (Chinese Angelica Root): nourishing blood

etc....

3) What is menopause?

https://cdn.breastcanceruk.org.uk/uploads/2024/02/Breast-Cancer-UK_HRT-and-Breast-Cancer-Review-2024.pdf (Page2)

Gentle Digestive Support with Hawthorn: A Post-Holiday Reset

 Kit Li

As 2025 comes to an end, I believe one of the most common goals for 2026 resolutions will be losing weight. While this goal may feel slightly exaggerated for me personally, prioritising health and fitness remains a shared aspiration for many people.

Following a series of indulgent celebrations from the Winter Solstice through to New Year’s Eve, frequent feasting, alcohols and sweets left me feeling noticeably bloated. On one morning, I experienced a bitter taste in my mouth accompanied by mild sour regurgitation. These symptoms suggested possible indigestion and prompted me to recognise the need to reduce food intake and allow my digestive system time to rest.  I quickly grabbed a sweet hawthorn snack to soothe my discomfort. When I was a child, it was one of my favourite treats from my grandmother, the balance of sweetness with a hint of sourness made it irresistibly addictive. 

Did you know that hawthorn, a traditional Chinese herb, is commonly used to support digestion? In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hawthorn is believed to help reduce food stagnation, particularly from rich or heavy foods, and to promote the smooth movement of digestion.  Avoid excessive intake: Hawthorn is sour, and consuming too much may damage the Spleen and Stomach.

Today, I’d like to introduce several herbal teas with Hawthorn (Shan Zha) (2, 3,4), which in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is known for promoting digestion, moving stagnant food, supporting spleen and stomach function, and aiding blood circulation. These teas can also assist lipid metabolism, help resolve phlegm, and gently clear mild internal heat.

1) Shan Zha Chenpi Tea (4) (for 2 people)

Ingredients:

• 20g dried Shan Zha (Hawthorn)
• 6g Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel)

TCM Function:

• Shan Zha: transforms food stagnation, promotes digestion, moves blood
• Chen Pi: regulates Qi, strengthens the spleen, resolves dampness and phlegm

Preparation:

1. Rinse ingredients.
2. Add to 700–800ml boiling water, simmer for 10–15 minutes.
3. Strain and serve warm.

Caution: Shan Zha can lower blood pressure and thin blood slightly, so people on blood-thinning or anti-hypertensive medication should consult a qualified TCM practitioner.  May aggravate loose stools if consumed in excess.

2) Ju Hua (5), Chen Pi and Shan Zha Tea (for 2 people)

Ingredients:

• 10g Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) 
• 6g Chen Pi
• 20g dried Shan Zha

TCM Function:

• Ju Hua: clears Liver heat, calms eyes, relieves mild internal heat
• Chen Pi: regulates Qi, improves digestion, resolves phlegm
• Shan Zha: promotes digestion, moves blood, reduces food stagnation

Preparation:

1. Rinse herbs.
2. Pour 700–800ml boiling water over them, leave it to steep for 10 minutes with the lid on.
3. Strain and enjoy.

Caution: Ju Hua (chrysanthemum) may cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those sensitive to ragweed, daisies, or marigolds.  Chen Pi is warming and moves Qi, so avoid if you have very loose stools or stomach ulcers.

3) Green Tea Hawthorn Tea (for 2 people)

Ingredients:

• 10g Green Tea
• 20g dried Shan Zha

TCM Function:

• Green Tea: clears mild heat, supports digestion, boosts metabolism
• Shan Zha: aids digestion, helps regulate lipid metabolism

Preparation:

• Rinse green tea and hawthorn slices.
• Add to 600–700ml boiling water, leave it to steep for 3–5 minutes with the lid on.
• Strain and sip slowly.

Caution: Green tea contains caffeine, which may not suit sensitive individuals or be consumed in large amounts before bed.  Hawthorn may interact with heart medications, so those with heart conditions should consult a qualified TCM practitioner.

Whether you want to ease bloating, support digestion, or enjoy a warm, comforting drink, these hawthorn teas provide a gentle, natural way to care for your digestive system. Sip them mindfully to restore balance after the holidays and start 2026 feeling lighter and healthier.

References:

1) Effects on gut microbiota and fermentation: 

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/10/10/1922

2)  In vitro digestive enzyme interactions:  

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844022023465

3) Chemistry, stability and health effects of phenolic compounds in cultivated hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida var. major): a review

https://academic.oup.com/fqs/article/doi/10.1093/fqsafe/fyad067/7486237

4) Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi): Botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874117329367

5) Diosmetin protects against retinal injury via reduction of DNA damage and oxidative stress:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5615423/

6) The effects of green tea on lipid metabolism and its potential applications for obesity and related metabolic disorders:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871402119301249