Herbal Tea In Traditional Chinese Medicine 🫖 A 5,000-Year Legacy

For over 5,000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has woven a tapestry of healing, balance, and wisdom, with herbal tea at its heart. In ancient China, from the misty mountains of Yunnan to the bustling courts of imperial capitals, healers crafted brews from ginseng, chrysanthemum, and other potent herbs to restore harmony, nurture vitality, and align body, mind, and spirit. These teas, known as yao cha (medicinal teas), were not mere beverages but elixirs of wellness, steeped in philosophy and ritual. Today, their legacy shapes global wellness trends, from adaptogenic blends to mindfulness practices.

At Ono Tea, we honor this ancient tradition, crafting herbal teas that echo TCM’s timeless principles. In this exploration, we delve into the historical use of herbal teas in Chinese medicine, highlight key herbs like ginseng and chrysanthemum, and trace their profound influence on modern wellness culture.

Table of Contents

The Foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM, dating back to at least 3000 BCE, is one of the world’s oldest medical systems, rooted in the philosophies of Taoism, yin-yang balance, and the Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water). Health in TCM is a state of harmony, where qi (life energy) flows freely through the body’s meridians, balanced by yin (cool, passive) and yang (warm, active). Disease arises from imbalance—too much heat, cold, dampness, or stagnation—remedied through diet, acupuncture, exercise, and herbal medicine.

Herbal teas are a cornerstone of TCM, valued for their ability to gently restore balance without the intensity of decoctions or pills. The Shennong Bencao Jing (c. 200 BCE), attributed to the mythical Emperor Shennong, catalogs 365 herbs, many used in teas, laying the foundation for TCM pharmacology. The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, c. 200 BCE) emphasizes preventive care, with teas as daily tonics to maintain health. From emperors to peasants, Chinese people sipped these brews, integrating healing into daily life.

The Role of Herbal Tea in TCM

In TCM, herbal teas are tailored to an individual’s constitution, season, and symptoms, guided by the principles of warming, cooling, drying, or moistening. Healers, known as yishi (TCM doctors), combined herbs to address specific imbalances, often steeping them in ceramic teapots to preserve their properties. Teas served multiple purposes:

Preventive Health: Daily tonics, like chrysanthemum tea, cleared heat and supported vitality.
Acute Care: Ginger tea warmed the body during colds, while peppermint soothed fevers.
Chronic Support: Ginseng tea nourished qi, aiding long-term energy and resilience.
Spiritual Balance: Teas were sipped during meditation or rituals, fostering harmony with nature.

The preparation of yao cha was a ritual, with herbs harvested at specific times (e.g., dawn for maximum potency) and brewed with intention, often accompanied by meditative breathing. This mindfulness, rooted in Taoist principles, made tea a spiritual act, aligning body and cosmos.

Key Herbs and Their Historical Uses

TCM’s herbal pharmacopeia is vast, with hundreds of plants used in teas. Below, we explore five iconic herbs—ginseng, chrysanthemum, goji berry, peppermint, and licorice root—highlighting their historical roles and enduring significance.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Ginseng, known as ren shen (human root) for its anthropomorphic shape, is TCM’s premier tonic, revered since the Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046 BCE). Grown in the mountains of Northeast China, ginseng was a symbol of vitality, reserved for emperors and scholars due to its rarity.

Historical Use: Ginseng tea was brewed to boost qi, strengthen the spleen, and enhance energy, prescribed for fatigue, weak immunity, or mental fog. It was sipped by scholars during exams and warriors before battles, believed to fortify body and mind.
Cultural Significance: Legends describe ginseng as a gift from the gods, its roots unearthed by divine guidance. The Shennong Bencao Jing classifies it as a “superior” herb, promoting longevity when taken regularly.
Modern Relevance: Ginseng tea remains a staple in wellness, valued for its adaptogenic properties, reducing stress and boosting focus. Ono Tea’s Ginseng Vitality blend captures this energizing legacy, offering a modern tonic for busy lives.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Chrysanthemum, or ju hua, is a cooling herb celebrated for its delicate floral flavor and versatility. Grown in Zhejiang and Anhui, it was a favorite of poets and monks, sipped under moonlight to inspire clarity.

Historical Use: Chrysanthemum tea cleared “heat” from the liver, soothed red eyes, and alleviated headaches, often prescribed for overwork or summer fevers. It was also used to calm the mind before meditation.
Cultural Significance: The chrysanthemum, a symbol of autumn and longevity, was featured in Tang Dynasty poetry, its tea a ritual of refinement. Monks brewed it during Zen meditation, valuing its calming focus.
Modern Relevance: Chrysanthemum tea is popular for eye health and stress relief, influencing wellness trends like floral-infused drinks. Ono Tea’s Chrysanthemum Clarity honors this tradition, offering a cooling, contemplative brew.

Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum)

Goji berries, or gou qi zi, are ruby-red fruits prized for their sweet-tart flavor and nourishing properties. Cultivated in Ningxia, they were a staple in TCM since the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE).

Historical Use: Goji berry tea nourished the liver and kidneys, improved vision, and boosted vitality, prescribed for aging, fatigue, or weak eyes. It was a daily tonic for the elderly, often combined with chrysanthemum.
Cultural Significance: Folklore credits goji berries with prolonging life, with tales of centenarians sipping goji tea daily. The Bencao Gangmu (1578) praises their ability to “brighten the spirit.”
Modern Relevance: Goji berry tea is a superfood star, rich in antioxidants and embraced in wellness for eye health and energy. Ono Tea’s Goji Glow blend channels this nourishing legacy, blending tradition with modern vibrancy.

Peppermint (Mentha haplocalyx)

Peppermint, or bo he, is a cooling herb used in TCM to clear “wind-heat” conditions like fevers and sore throats. Native to China, it was widely cultivated by the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE).

Historical Use: Peppermint tea soothed headaches, cleared mental fog, and relieved respiratory congestion, often brewed for scholars or laborers exposed to heat. It was also used to calm digestive upset.
Cultural Significance: Peppermint was a humble herb, sipped by peasants and monks alike, its refreshing clarity aligning with Taoist simplicity. It was often paired with chrysanthemum for balance.
Modern Relevance: Peppermint tea remains a global favorite for digestion and focus, influencing wellness trends like mint-infused drinks. Ono Tea’s Peppermint Clarity captures this cooling essence, offering a refreshing pause.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)

Licorice root, or gan cao (sweet herb), is TCM’s harmonizing herb, used to enhance other teas and balance formulas. Grown in Gansu, it was a staple by the Qin Dynasty (221 BCE).

Historical Use: Licorice tea soothed sore throats, supported lung health, and harmonized qi, often combined with ginseng or chrysanthemum to amplify effects. It was also used to detoxify and reduce inflammation.
Cultural Significance: Licorice was called the “peacemaker” in TCM texts, its sweetness uniting herbs and people. It was sipped during community gatherings, symbolizing harmony.
Modern Relevance: Licorice tea is valued for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, influencing modern herbal blends. Ono Tea’s Licorice Harmony blend nods to this balancing legacy, fostering calm and connection.

Historical Practices and Rituals

TCM herbal teas were prepared with precision, reflecting the art of yang sheng (nourishing life). Healers selected herbs based on a patient’s symptoms, season, and constitution, using tools like ceramic teapots or bamboo strainers to preserve potency. For example:

Seasonal Blends: Chrysanthemum tea cooled summer heat, while ginger warmed winter chills.
Personalized Formulas: A scholar with eye strain might sip chrysanthemum and goji berry tea, while a laborer with fatigue drank ginseng and licorice.
Ritual Preparation: Herbs were steeped with meditative focus, often accompanied by Taoist chants or breathing exercises to align qi.

Teas were sipped in various contexts:

Daily Tonics: Families brewed chrysanthemum or goji tea as preventive health drinks, served in communal teapots.
Ceremonial Use: Monks sipped peppermint tea during meditation, while emperors drank ginseng tea before court sessions.
Healing Rituals: Patients sipped licorice-infused blends during acupuncture, enhancing treatment efficacy.

These rituals, blending practicality and spirituality, made tea a daily act of balance, a tradition that resonates with modern wellness practices.

The Evolution of TCM Herbal Tea

Ancient Beginnings (3000 BCE–200 CE)

In China’s pre-imperial era, herbal teas were simple, using wild herbs like ginger and mint. The Shennong Bencao Jing formalized their use, classifying herbs by potency and purpose. Ginseng and licorice emerged as elite tonics, reserved for nobility.

Imperial Era (200 BCE–1644 CE)

The Han, Tang, and Song Dynasties saw TCM’s golden age, with tea culture flourishing. The Bencao Gangmu (1578), compiled by Li Shizhen, cataloged over 1,800 herbs, including tea recipes for every ailment. Chrysanthemum and goji teas became household staples, while ginseng remained a luxury.

Modern Era (1644 CE–Present)

The Qing Dynasty and 20th century brought global exchange, spreading TCM teas worldwide via the Silk Road and colonial trade. The Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) disrupted TCM, but its revival in the 1980s fueled global interest. Today, TCM teas influence wellness trends, from adaptogenic blends to functional drinks.

Influence on Modern Wellness Trends

TCM’s herbal tea legacy shapes modern wellness in profound ways:

Adaptogens: Ginseng’s stress-reducing properties inspire adaptogenic teas, popular in brands like Ono Tea, addressing burnout in fast-paced lives.
Functional Teas: Chrysanthemum and goji teas, backed by studies on eye health and antioxidants, fuel the functional beverage market, with blends targeting specific wellness goals.
Mindfulness Practices: TCM’s ritualistic brewing aligns with mindfulness, encouraging intentional sipping as a pause in busy days.
Holistic Wellness: TCM’s focus on balance informs holistic trends, with teas like peppermint and licorice promoting digestion and calm.

Scientific research validates TCM wisdom—ginseng reduces cortisol, chrysanthemum lowers blood pressure, and goji berries boost antioxidants—bridging ancient and modern. Ono Tea’s blends, like Ginseng Vitality, Chrysanthemum Clarity, and Goji Glow, reflect this fusion, using sustainably sourced herbs to deliver TCM’s benefits in accessible forms.

Modern Rituals: Sipping TCM Wisdom

TCM herbal teas offer timeless rituals for today’s world:

Morning Energy: Brew Ginseng Vitality to start your day with focus, sipping while setting intentions, like Han scholars before study.
Mid-Day Balance: Sip Chrysanthemum Clarity during a work break, reflecting on balance, echoing monks’ meditative pauses.
Evening Calm: Steep Licorice Harmony before bed, journaling gratitude, mirroring community gatherings of old.
Creative Pause: Drink Goji Glow while brainstorming, connecting to TCM’s nourishing vitality.

These rituals require minimal gear—a mug, hot water, and a tin of tea—making them simple yet profound, much like TCM’s ancient practices.

Ethical Considerations

While TCM teas inspire modern wellness, their global popularity raises concerns about overharvesting (e.g., ginseng) and cultural appropriation. Ono Tea prioritizes ethical sourcing, partnering with sustainable farms and respecting Chinese heritage. Consumers can support this by choosing brands that honor TCM’s roots and protect its resources.

Final Thoughts: Your Cup, Your Legacy

Herbal tea in Traditional Chinese Medicine is a 5,000-year legacy of balance, healing, and wisdom, from ginseng’s vitality to chrysanthemum’s calm. These brews, crafted by ancient healers, continue to shape modern wellness, offering a bridge between past and present. At Ono Tea, we celebrate this heritage, crafting blends that honor TCM’s intentionality and potency, inviting you to sip with purpose.

Next time you seek energy, calm, or connection, reach for a tin of Ono Tea. Let the herbs steep, the steam rise, and the flavors align your qi. In that cup, you’ll find more than a drink—you’ll find a ritual, a legacy, and a moment to nurture your well-being.

Herbal Tea in Traditional Chinese Medicine 🫖 A 5,000-Year Legacy