YT Recipe

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

  1. Prepare the ginger

    Peel the ginger and slice it into thin rounds or matchsticks to maximize flavor extraction.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Measure the black sugar

    Measure out 2 tablespoons of Chinese black sugar and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Dissolve the black sugar

    Stir in the black sugar until fully dissolved; this should take about a minute.

    Time: PT1M

  6. 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

  7. 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

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Chinese Medicinal Tea for Treating Colds

Recipe by Alice Sun

A warming Chinese medicinal tea that uses fresh ginger and unrefined black sugar to dispel internal cold, boost circulation, and support energy during winter. Simple to prepare, this soothing brew follows Traditional Chinese Medicine principles for a comforting, health‑supporting drink.

EasyChineseServes 2

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

Source Video
5m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.69
Total cost
$5.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Slice ginger thinly for optimal extraction
  • • Simmer ginger gently without a hard boil
  • • Dissolve black sugar completely before straining

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle boiling water carefully to avoid burns
  • • Use pot‑handle protectors when moving the hot saucepan

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of ginger black sugar medicinal tea in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of ginger black sugar tea in China?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is ginger black sugar medicinal tea traditionally served in Chinese households during winter?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is ginger black sugar medicinal tea associated with in Chinese culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How does ginger black sugar medicinal tea fit into the broader Chinese medicinal food tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for ginger black sugar medicinal tea versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ginger black sugar medicinal tea?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make ginger black sugar medicinal tea ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Alice Sun specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Alice Sun specializes in simple, health‑focused Chinese home cooking, often highlighting traditional medicinal ingredients and seasonal wellness recipes.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Alice Sun?

A

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.

channel
More like this:Chinese RecipesBeverage RecipesMore by Alice Sun

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