This simple three-ingredient herbal tea has been part of my own routine for years, including through my pregnancies, with my doctor’s okay. Made with goji berries, Chinese red dates, and Chinese yam, it is warming and naturally sweet, and I drink it most days.
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This recipe came to me from my own Chinese medicine doctor. I drank it during and after my pregnancies, and these days I carry a full liter with me and sip it instead of coffee. That’s just my routine and what worked for me, not advice for anyone else.
Why This Tea Is Amazing
- My coffee swap: When I’d usually reach for a coffee, I make this instead.
- Not just for me: My husband drinks it too.
Important: Always consult your doctor or midwife before adding any herbal preparation to your routine during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take any medication, including blood thinners.
Ingredients
Goji Berries
- Why they matter: The flavor is mild and slightly sweet — like a gentle raisin. A small handful is plenty; too many can overpower the tea.
Buy dried goji berries at any Asian grocery store or online: organic dried goji berries are easy to keep on hand for daily use.
Chinese Red Dates (Jujube / Hong Zao)
- Why they matter: They provide natural sweetness to the tea — no added sugar needed.
Look for them at Chinese medicine shops or Asian grocery stores. You can also find them on Amazon: dried Chinese red dates are available in resealable bags.
Chinese Yam (Shan Yao / Rhizoma Dioscoreae)
- Why it matters: The taste is neutral — almost imperceptible — which is exactly what you want in a tea you plan to drink every day.
Find it dried at Chinese medicine stores or online: dried Chinese yam (Shan Yao Huai Shan) is widely available.
Rooted in tradition: These ingredients have been used in Chinese home cooking and traditional remedies for centuries.
How to Serve and Store
I always recommend drinking this tea warm, never cold. Warm drinks are the tradition in Chinese medicine.
The longer the herbs steep in the bottle, the more flavor they release. That golden color deepens beautifully over the course of the day. I love using a 1L glass jar — it is large enough to hold a full day’s worth and elegant enough to bring anywhere.
Sweetener Options
I do not add sugar — the Chinese red dates provide enough natural sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter tea, add raw honey after brewing (never during boiling). A honey varietal set is a great way to explore different flavor profiles.
Where to Buy the Ingredients
Your best source is a Chinese medicine shop or Asian grocery store — the ingredients are common and affordable. If you do not have one nearby, all three herbs are available online. The links above connect you directly to reputable options.
***DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor nor a healthcare provider. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or midwife before making any changes to your diet during pregnancy.***
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink this tea while pregnant?
Every pregnancy is different. Please consult your doctor or midwife before adding any herbal preparation to your routine.
Can men and non-pregnant women drink this tea?
Yes. My husband drinks it regularly.
How long can I store this tea?
Brewed and stored in a sealed glass jar in the fridge, this tea keeps for 2–3 days. I prefer to brew a fresh liter daily and carry it through the day warm in a thermos.
Can I add other herbs to this tea?
Yes. Common additions in Chinese medicine include dried longan fruit, lotus seeds, and wolfberry leaves. Start with the base recipe and experiment from there.
Does the tea taste bitter?
Not at all. The red dates provide gentle sweetness, the goji berries add a mild fruity note, and the Chinese yam is essentially tasteless. The overall flavor is light, slightly sweet, and warming — nothing like a bitter herbal medicine.
Can I use a loose-leaf tea infuser for this?
You can use a tea infuser to hold the ingredients if you prefer not to strain at the end, though the traditional method is simply to simmer everything loose in the pot and ladle it into your jar — the herbs sink to the bottom on their own.
Goji Berry, Red Date and Chinese Yam Tea
Ingredients
Method
- Give the goji berries, Chinese yam and red dates a rinse in cold water.
- Bring a pot and boil the 1 litre of water. Add the ingredients into the water in medium heat. cook for 10 minutes with lid on.
- Serve into a heat proof bottle (I recommend glass), and enjoy through out the day. Serve warm.
Looking for more drinks from my kitchen? Try the Mixed Berry Smoothie with Pomegranate and Nopal or the Celery Juice.