Drinking goji berry tea is an ancient remedy from Asia that remains a viable and delicious beverage to this day.
What is Goji Berry Tea?
Goji berry tea is a warm, medicinal beverage that is prepared with the berries of the goji plant, which is scientifically known as Lycium barbarum. Famed and commonly used in China and other Asian countries, this plant is native to that continent, as well as certain parts of Europe. Goji berry is also known as wolfberry, Chinese boxthorn, barbary matrimony vine, and about a dozen other common names, depending on where in the world you are. The tea is easy to brew and is infused with the antioxidants of the goji berries, including key flavonoids, polysaccharides, and other active ingredients. This is in addition to vitamin A, C, and E, along with a variety of minerals. Traditional methods of making this tea include only the berries in boiling water, but more modern variations combine the berries with white or green tea, for additional health benefits. [1]
Goji Berry Tea Benefits
The major health benefits of goji berry tea include the following:
May Improve Energy Levels
Dried goji berries are steeped in hot water to make aromatic goji berry tea. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
This berry-based tea may have an incredibly rejuvenating effect on the body and can stimulate the metabolism, giving you a burst of energy, thanks to the many critical minerals and vitamins it might contains.
May Augment Mood
The active ingredients are known to have an effect on hormones in the body, which may help balance your mood and prevent anxiety, as well as acting as a natural antidepressant. [2]
May Offer A Lot Of Antioxidants
The flavonoids and phytonutrients released when this tea is brewed may help the body in countless ways, from preventing cellular mutation and cancer to lowering levels of chronic inflammation and improving the appearance of the skin. [3]
May Improve the Immune System
With high levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E, this tea may be an excellent immune booster, as it might help stimulate the production of white blood cells and boost the immune system. [4]
May Help Prevent/Manage Diabetes
Research has shown that this herbal tea may help the body regulate its release of glucose and insulin. A study result as per the Food Nutrition journal shows that goji berry might have the potential to be effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. [5] [6]
May Aid In Weight Loss
With metabolism-boosting properties, this tea may aid in weight loss efforts by increasing passive fat and calorie burning. [7]
How to Make Goji Berry Tea?
Goji berry tea has a neutral effect on the body, neither heating nor cooling. But one cup of tea packs a hefty punch of antibiotics. Let us take a look at the detailed recipe below.
Healing Goji Berry Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp goji berries dried
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp honey if desired
Instructions
- Add 1 tablespoon of dried goji berries to a teapot or infuser.
- Bring 2 cups of water to boil on the stove.
- Pour the hot water over the dried berries.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 3-4 minutes, longer if you want a stronger tea.
- Strain out the goji berries and serve hot.
- Add honey, if desired, for flavor.
Goji Berry Tea Side Effects
There are many impressive benefits of goji berry tea, but there are some side effects to consider. These may include interactions with drugs, gastrointestinal problems, and complications with pregnancy. If you are taking blood pressure or blood sugar medication, you could experience negative interactions, since this tea might have similar effects on the body. The berries also contain betaine, a chemical that can induce miscarriage, so pregnant women should not consume this tea. [8]
