Red Date & Longan Tea

Red date and longan tea has been used for centuries throughout China. It can be taken frequently and tastes terrific. According to Chinese medicine, this is a tonic or strengthening tea. Drinking this tea will strengthen the Blood, improve circulation, relax the mind and improve immunity against disease.

Even better red dates are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, B1, B2, calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium! This is one tea that tastes great and is great for you.

If you want to know if you can drink longan and red date tea during pregnancy, traditionally this is a tea that is taken in the last trimester of pregnancy. It can also taken by women that have heavy periods or have a history of anaemia. Sometimes people drink it while recovering from illness or surgery. However, it can also be taken when you are feeling completely healthy as a way to keep you well too!

This tea is considered 'heaty' so if you are unsure if it is right for you please check with your Chinese medicine practitioner first.

The recipe is simple and for those living locally you can get your ingredients here.

Red date & Longan Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

20 Whole Pitted Red Date – Dà Zǎo - 大枣

13 Whole dried Longan – Lóng Yǎn Ròu - 龙眼肉

Rock sugar – (optional)

Use:

To strengthen the Qi, Blood and digestion. Calm the mind.

Pre labour preparation.

Taken as a tonic during menstruation, pregnancy from 35 weeks, after pregnancy, throughout winter. Following major illness, disease or surgery.

May also be taken on a regular basis as a general tonic if feeling weak or fatigued.

Avoid in case of fever or excess heat in the body.

Ask your Chinese medicine practitioner if you are concerned.

Directions:

Take about 20 seedless red dates and soak them in a bowl of tap water for at least an hour (or even soak overnight).

If you happen to buy red dates with the seeds still inside then you will need to remove the seeds before boiling.

After soaking the red dates combine them with 12 longan in about 2 litres of water.

Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 30-40 minutes.

After simmering there should be about 1-1.5 litres of tea.

Add rock sugar by dissolving in the pot (only if you require a sweeter tea).

Strain the liquid and drink throughout the day.

Drink hot or at room temperature.

Drink 100 - 250ml up to 1lt each day.

(You may choose to keep a 1-2 longan and 1 red date in a cup of tea and eat them while enjoying your tea)

This is a great tea to make and enjoy on a regular basis.