Chinese Medicinal Tea for Treating Colds
Chinese Medicinal Tea for Treating Colds is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 60 calories per serving. Recipe by Alice Sun on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 20 min
Cost: $10.69 total, $5.35 per serving
Ingredients
- 30 g Fresh Ginger (peeled and sliced thin)
- 2 tbsp Chinese Black Sugar (unrefined, also called black rock sugar)
- 4 cup Water (filtered)
- 1 slice Lemon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the ginger
Peel the ginger and slice it into thin rounds or matchsticks to maximize flavor extraction.
Time: PT2M
Measure the black sugar
Measure out 2 tablespoons of Chinese black sugar and set aside.
Time: PT1M
Bring water to a boil
Add 4 cups of water to the saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Simmer the ginger
Add the sliced ginger to the boiling water, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 95°C
Dissolve the black sugar
Stir in the black sugar until fully dissolved; this should take about a minute.
Time: PT1M
Strain and serve
Remove the pan from heat, strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into cups, and add a lemon slice if desired.
Time: PT1M
Enjoy hot
Sip the tea while steaming hot to experience its warming benefits.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 60
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1 tsp)
- Instead of Chinese Black Sugar: Brown sugar, Raw cane sugar
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Teacup (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice ginger thinly for optimal extraction
- Simmer ginger gently without a hard boil
- Dissolve black sugar completely before straining
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use young, tender ginger for a milder, sweeter heat
- Rinse black sugar briefly to remove any dust before adding
- Cover the pot while simmering to retain aroma and heat
Troubleshooting
Tea is too weak
Increase the ginger amount or extend the simmer by 2–3 minutes to extract more heat‑generating compounds.
Tea is too sweet
Reduce the black sugar or add a splash of hot water to dilute the sweetness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
Freezer: Not recommended; freezing may alter texture
Room temperature: Best consumed immediately; can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brew a larger batch and refrigerate; gently reheat before serving
- The tea can also be served cold as a refreshing summer beverage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ginger black sugar medicinal tea in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Ginger black sugar medicinal tea has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to dispel internal cold, improve circulation, and support digestive health. The combination of warming ginger and heating black sugar aligns with the TCM principle of balancing yin and yang during the cold months.
What are the traditional regional variations of ginger black sugar tea in China?
In southern China, the tea may include additional herbs like jujube or goji berries, while in northern regions the focus is often on a stronger ginger concentration to combat harsher winters. Some areas also substitute black sugar with raw honey for a softer sweetness.
How is ginger black sugar medicinal tea traditionally served in Chinese households during winter?
It is typically served hot in small porcelain cups right after a meal or during tea breaks, often accompanied by a light snack such as steamed buns. The tea is poured directly from the pot to preserve its warmth and aromatic steam.
What occasions or celebrations is ginger black sugar medicinal tea associated with in Chinese culture?
The tea is commonly prepared during the winter solstice, the Lunar New Year, and on days when someone feels under the weather. It is also offered to elders to help maintain body warmth during cold spells.
How does ginger black sugar medicinal tea fit into the broader Chinese medicinal food tradition?
It exemplifies the concept of "food as medicine" by using everyday ingredients with therapeutic properties. The tea is part of a larger repertoire of warming foods, such as red dates soup and cinnamon tea, that aim to protect the body from cold.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for ginger black sugar medicinal tea versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients are fresh young ginger and unrefined Chinese black sugar (rock sugar). Acceptable substitutes include ground ginger (used sparingly) and brown or raw cane sugar, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ginger black sugar medicinal tea?
Common errors include over‑boiling the ginger, which can introduce bitterness, and not fully dissolving the black sugar, leaving gritty texture. Also, using too much water dilutes the warming effect.
Can I make ginger black sugar medicinal tea ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, brew a larger batch, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave before serving to restore its warmth.
What does the YouTube channel Alice Sun specialize in?
The YouTube channel Alice Sun specializes in simple, health‑focused Chinese home cooking, often highlighting traditional medicinal ingredients and seasonal wellness recipes.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Alice Sun?
Alice Sun’s cooking philosophy blends modern convenience with ancient Chinese culinary wisdom, emphasizing fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and techniques that support overall well‑being. Her style is clear, step‑by‑step, and approachable for home cooks of all levels.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
