make 8 treasures tea (ba bao cha) with me

make 8 treasures tea (ba bao cha) with me is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 1. 20 calories per serving. Recipe by Vicky Phan on YouTube.

Prep: 2 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 13 min

Cost: $13.99 total, $13.99 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 bag Eight Treasure Tea Blend (pre‑made bag) (Typical blend includes goji berries, red dates, chrysanthemum flowers, rose petals, licorice root, longan, hawthorn, and dried orange peel.)
  • 8 oz Water (Hot, just off the boil (≈200°F / 93°C).)

Instructions

  1. Boil Water

    Fill the electric kettle with fresh water and bring it to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 200°F

  2. Prepare Mug

    Place the eight‑treasure tea bag into your mug or tea cup.

    Time: PT30S

  3. Add Hot Water

    Pour the hot water over the tea bag, filling the mug to about 8 oz.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: 200°F

  4. Steep

    Let the tea steep for 5–7 minutes, depending on how strong you like the flavor.

    Time: PT6M

  5. Finish and Serve

    Remove the tea bag (or infuser) and enjoy the tea warm. Optionally sweeten with a touch of honey.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
20
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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make 8 treasures tea (ba bao cha) with me

Recipe by Vicky Phan

A traditional Chinese eight‑treasure herbal tea designed for beauty and wellness. This soothing blend of dried fruits, flowers, and roots is steeped in hot water for 5‑7 minutes, delivering a gentle boost to energy, circulation, digestion, sleep, and skin glow. Perfect as a coffee substitute and easy to make at home.

EasyChineseServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
6m
Prep
2m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.99
Total cost
$13.99
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Steeping for the correct 5‑7 minutes to balance flavor and avoid bitterness.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water can cause burns – handle the kettle and mug with care.
  • Do not consume if you have known allergies to any of the dried herbs or fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Eight Treasure Beauty Tea in Chinese wellness traditions?

A

Eight Treasure Tea (八宝茶) has been enjoyed for centuries in China as a medicinal blend that balances the body's qi. The eight ingredients each represent a different health benefit—such as blood nourishment, liver support, and skin vitality—making the tea a holistic beauty tonic.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Eight Treasure Tea in China?

A

In northern China the blend often emphasizes dried fruits like red dates and goji berries, while southern versions may add lotus leaf or chrysanthemum for cooling properties. Some regions substitute hawthorn with mulberry leaves for a sweeter taste.

cultural
Q

How is Eight Treasure Beauty Tea traditionally served in Chinese culture?

A

Traditionally the tea is served hot in small porcelain cups during family gatherings or after meals to aid digestion. It is also offered to guests as a sign of hospitality and to promote health and longevity.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Eight Treasure Beauty Tea associated with in Chinese culture?

A

Eight Treasure Tea is commonly prepared during festivals such as the Mid‑Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year, when families seek foods that symbolize abundance and good health. It is also served during birthday celebrations for its reputed anti‑aging benefits.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Eight Treasure Beauty Tea versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include goji berries, red dates, chrysanthemum flowers, rose petals, licorice root, longan, hawthorn, and dried orange peel. If any are unavailable, you can substitute dried apricots for longan, or use dried hibiscus in place of chrysanthemum for a similar tart note.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Eight Treasure Beauty Tea?

A

The tea pairs nicely with light dim sum, steamed buns, or a simple congee breakfast. Its gentle sweetness also complements mildly spiced dishes like stir‑fried bok choy or tofu with black bean sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Eight Treasure Beauty Tea at home?

A

Common errors include using water that isn’t hot enough, over‑steeping which creates bitterness, and reusing the same tea bag which reduces flavor and health benefits. Follow the 5‑7 minute steep time and use freshly boiled water for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Eight Treasure Beauty Tea recipe use a pre‑made tea bag instead of loose herbs?

A

A pre‑made bag simplifies preparation, ensures the correct proportion of each ingredient, and prevents the herbs from scattering in the cup. It also makes cleanup faster, which is ideal for a quick daily wellness routine.

technical
Q

Can I make Eight Treasure Beauty Tea ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, brew a larger batch and keep it in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently or enjoy it cold; avoid boiling the stored tea as it can degrade delicate flavors.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Vicky Phan specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Vicky Phan focuses on Asian-inspired home cooking, beauty‑from‑inside recipes, and practical DIY food hacks that help viewers save money while enjoying authentic flavors.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Vicky Phan's approach to Chinese wellness cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Vicky Phan emphasizes affordable, ingredient‑focused recipes that blend traditional Chinese health concepts with modern lifestyle needs. She often demonstrates how to source ingredients at local Asian markets and adapts classic formulas for busy home cooks.

channel

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