Try Chinese Tea for Period Cramps
Try Chinese Tea for Period Cramps! is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 130 calories per serving. Recipe by swammilovesyou on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $16.10 total, $8.05 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 pieces Dried Red Dates (Jujube) (Soak overnight; rich in iron and antioxidants)
- 8 pieces Dried Longan Fruit (Soak overnight; adds natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Goji Berries (Soak overnight; boosts immunity and skin glow)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (Adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Whole Milk (Warm before adding; can use plant‑based milk)
- 4 cups Water (For simmering the herbs)
Instructions
Soak the Dried Fruits
Rinse the dried red dates, longan fruit, and goji berries under cold water, then place them in a bowl and cover with enough water to submerge. Let them soak overnight (or at least 8 hours) at room temperature.
Time: PT5M
Simmer the Herbal Tea Base
Drain the soaked fruits, discard the soaking water, and transfer the fruits to a medium saucepan. Add 4 cups of fresh water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes, partially covered.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 100°C
Strain and Sweeten
Remove the saucepan from heat. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a heat‑proof bowl or directly into your mug, pressing the solids gently to extract remaining liquid. Stir in brown sugar until fully dissolved.
Time: PT3M
Warm the Milk
Heat the whole milk in a microwave‑safe bowl or small saucepan until it reaches about 60°C (just warm, not boiling).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 60°C
Combine and Serve
Pour the warmed milk into the sweetened herbal tea, stir gently, and enjoy the drink while hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 130
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dried Red Dates (Jujube): Dried figs, Raisins
- Instead of Dried Longan Fruit: Fresh longan (peeled), Dried apricot
- Instead of Goji Berries: Dried cranberries, Raisins
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup
- Instead of Whole Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl or Small Pot (optional)
- Mug or Tea Cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soaking the dried fruits overnight for maximum flavor extraction.
- Simmering the herbal base for at least 15 minutes without a hard boil.
- Straining the broth to remove solids before adding sugar and milk.
- Warming milk to ~60°C without boiling to preserve its creaminess.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra silky texture, whisk the milk before adding it to the tea.
- A pinch of ground cinnamon or star anise can add a festive aroma.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the milk with oat or almond milk and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
Troubleshooting
The tea tastes weak or watery.
Increase the simmer time to 20‑25 minutes or add a few more dried dates and longan pieces for stronger flavor.
The drink is too bitter.
Add a little more brown sugar or a splash of honey, and ensure the simmer is gentle, not a rolling boil.
Milk curdles when added.
Make sure the milk is only warmed to about 60°C and not boiled; add the milk slowly while stirring.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the brewed herbal tea base in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding fresh milk.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the texture of milk changes after freezing.
Room temperature: Consume within 2 hours of preparation; do not leave the hot drink unattended.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak the dried fruits a day ahead and keep them refrigerated in water.
- Prepare the herbal tea base in advance, strain, sweeten, and store in the fridge; simply reheat and add fresh warm milk when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chinese herbal milk tea with red dates and longan in traditional Chinese cuisine?
Red dates (jujube) and longan have been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine to nourish blood, improve sleep, and boost immunity. Combining them with warm milk creates a comforting drink often enjoyed during recovery periods or as a night‑time tonic.
What are the traditional regional variations of red date milk tea in Chinese cuisine?
In southern China, the tea may include ginger or rock sugar, while in Taiwan, fresh milk is sometimes replaced with soy milk. Some regions add lotus seed or dried chrysanthemum for extra fragrance.
How is Chinese herbal milk tea traditionally served in China?
It is typically served hot in small porcelain cups or mugs, often after dinner or before bedtime to promote relaxation and blood circulation.
What occasions or celebrations is Chinese herbal milk tea associated with in Chinese culture?
The drink is popular during the winter months, postpartum recovery, and on days when a person feels fatigued or is menstruating, as the iron‑rich ingredients help replenish blood.
What makes Chinese herbal milk tea with red dates, longan, and goji berries special in Chinese health‑drink tradition?
The combination blends three potent herbs known for boosting blood, enhancing skin health, and supporting the immune system, while the warm milk adds soothing creaminess, making it both therapeutic and delicious.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chinese herbal milk tea at home?
Common errors include over‑boiling the herbs, which can make the broth bitter, not soaking the dried fruits long enough, and adding boiling milk, which may cause curdling. Follow the gentle simmer and warm‑milk steps for best results.
Why does this recipe use a gentle simmer instead of a rapid boil for extracting the herbal flavors?
A gentle simmer extracts the nutrients and sweet flavors without breaking down the delicate sugars in the dates and longan, preventing bitterness and preserving the tea’s smooth texture.
Can I make Chinese herbal milk tea ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the herbal tea base, strain, sweeten, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and add freshly warmed milk before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the herbal tea base is done cooking?
The broth should be clear amber‑gold, with a fragrant aroma of dates and longan. It should not be cloudy or have floating particles; if it is, strain again before adding sugar and milk.
What does the YouTube channel swammilovesyou specialize in?
The YouTube channel swammilovesyou focuses on comforting, health‑oriented recipes often inspired by Asian home cooking, sharing personal stories and tips for nurturing the body during periods, recovery, or cold weather.
How does the YouTube channel swammilovesyou's approach to Chinese comfort drinks differ from other cooking channels?
swammilovesyou blends personal wellness narratives with step‑by‑step demonstrations, emphasizing ingredient benefits (like iron from dates) and practical shortcuts such as overnight soaking, which sets it apart from purely culinary or entertainment‑focused channels.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
