Immune-Boosting Tea Recipe
As we enter the colder months of the year, it’s often a good idea to support our immune and respiratory systems, which correspond in many ways to the Metal element and the organs/meridians it governs: the Lung and Large Intestine. One way to do so is through herbs! Technically, this beverage is an herbal decoction, not a tea. Decoctions involve simmering herbs in water for extended periods to fully extract their medicinal qualities. Herbal decoctions are used frequently in traditional Chinese medicine.
The star of the show in this decoction is huang qi astragalus (黄芪), a root which is used in Chinese herbal medicine to strongly promote our Lung and Spleen qi, as well as wei qi. Translated as protective or defensive energy, wei qi is the first point of interaction between ourselves and the outside world, so it plays a big role in our immune health. In Western herbal medicine, astragalus is known as an immune regulator and stimulant—along with being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, tonic, and adaptogen. It can be taken every day to keep the immune system in check, or as needed if you start to get sick with a cold or flu.
Please note: As with any herb, astragalus is not the best fit as a daily medicine for everyone. It may contribute to flare-ups for those with autoimmune conditions. If you are someone who has a lot of energy, runs hot, and/or has a red tongue (as opposed to pale or pink), elderberry may be a better choice as a daily immune modulator. Seek individual care for personalized recommendations.
Below is a recipe for preparing an herbal decoction to last you a week. You can also add astragalus root to broths—just be sure to simmer it for 30-45 minutes to extract the medicinal constituents.
Ingredients:
Half a cup of astragalus root (sold at Farmacy Herbs)—warming, energizing, immune-boosting
Half a cup of goji berries (sold at most Whole Foods)—nourishing & moistening
A finger’s worth of chopped raw ginger—warming, supports digestion
8 cups of water
Instructions for making decoction:
Rinse the ingredients (separately).
Combine the astragalus and water in a big covered pot and bring to a boil.
Simmer for 20 minutes, then add ginger.
Simmer for 10 minutes, then add goji berries.
Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
Strain herbs out, saving the liquid—this is the decoction!
Allow decoction to cool, then place in a sealed jar or another container and refrigerate for up to a week.
Instructions for preparing decoction to drink for the week:
Measure out a half cup of decoction.
Boil water and add about a half cup to decoction—enough to warm it.
For best effects, drink at least four hours after eating and/or at least a half hour before eating, twice a day. (The easiest times may be first thing in the morning and before dinner.)
Also note, you can get astragalus in powdered form from Farmacy Herbs as well, and use a reusable tea pouch to steep it as a tea (steep covered for 30 minutes).
Interested in trying qigong or acupuncture, or other Chinese medicine modalities? Register for a class or book an appointment here.