American ginseng, Solomon's seal & corn silk tea
A lightly bittersweet, cooling tonic tea that nourishes yin, eases thirst and drains damp — just steep it in a flask.
- 35 min
- Serves 2
- Steep
- Easy
Why it suits you: Yin Deficiency brings a dry mouth, warm palms and light sleep. Grain Rain is humid and warming up, and rich yin tonics can trap damp. American ginseng and Solomon's seal nourish gently and restore fluids, while corn silk drains damp without drying you out — ideal in the afternoon.
Method
Prep 5 min · Cook 30 min- 1Rinse the Solomon's seal and corn silk, then put them in a flask with the ginseng slices.
- 2Pour in 600 ml of boiling water, close the lid and steep for 30 minutes. Once you have drunk it, top up with boiling water for a second brew.
- 3Strain out the corn silk and stir in the honey once the tea is warm rather than hot. The ginseng slices can be chewed and eaten.
Cautions
- If you take blood-sugar or blood-thinning medication, check with your doctor before drinking American ginseng. Pause it during a cold or fever.
- Go easy if your digestion runs cold and you are prone to loose stools.
Chef's tips
- Make it before you leave in the morning and it tastes fuller by the afternoon. Silk from fresh corn works too: rinse it well and double the amount.
The TCM view
American ginseng is sweet, slightly bitter and cool; it builds qi, nourishes yin, clears heat and generates fluids. Solomon's seal is sweet and slightly cold and moistens dryness without being cloying. Corn silk is sweet, bland and neutral and drains damp without harming yin. Together they nourish lightly while clearing damp — right for Yin Deficiency in humid, warming Grain Rain weather.
