There is a tea I make almost compulsively when I’m deep in work, when my eyes are tired, when I want to feel light and bright and a little glowy without reaching for a third espresso. It’s called Auspicious Flow, and it’s probably the blend I’m most proud of.

Auspicious Flow combines sencha with chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, and goji berry. Four herbs perfect for spring and early summer.

What’s in It

Sencha is the heart of this blend, a perfect companion for a long morning of work. It contains L-theanine, which gently uplifts energy without the jitteriness often associated with caffeine. It also contains catechins, antioxidant compounds that support immune function and carry mild anti-inflammatory properties. In TCM, its natural bitterness is considered heart-supportive medicine.

Chrysanthemum, known as kiku (菊) in Japan, is a symbol of longevity, nobility, and happiness so deeply revered it serves as the Imperial seal, appearing on passports and the yen coin. In TCM it is cooling, liver-supportive, and specifically indicated for the eyes: clearing heat and calming inflammation. It is also simply beautiful, both dry and steeped.

Goji berry is specifically known for strengthening the delicate capillaries of the eyes and carries hepatoprotective properties, meaning it may help protect the liver from damage caused by medications, alcohol, or other substances that place a burden on it.

It is also one of TCM’s great pairings with chrysanthemum. Together they support what the liver governs, which in Chinese medicine includes the eyes. When this system is nourished, vision benefits as well. I do most of my work on a computer, and hours of screen time and blue light exposure can leave my eyes feeling heavy, dry, and strained. This pairing is one of the reasons I return to this blend as often as I do.

Honeysuckle is one of my favorite herbs for the skin. In TCM it is considered a heat-clearing and toxin-resolving herb, traditionally used to address inflammation and the kind of systemic heat that shows up on the surface: congestion, dullness, breakouts. Combined with chrysanthemum and the cleansing quality of sencha, this blend supports clearer skin and who would say no to that.

This is where you can personalize the blend to your own constitution. If you run cold, a quick check is whether your hands and feet are cold to the touch. If so, add a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, smashed to release the juices. It gently warms the blend and stimulates bile production, making digestion feel lighter and more efficient. If you run hot, leave the ginger out entirely, or use only a small amount. Dried ginger runs significantly hotter than fresh and is best avoided here for those who tend toward heat.

Auspicious Flow Tea Recipe 

This is a loose-leaf blend, which means it looks as good dry in a jar as it does steeped in a pot. Here’s how to make it.

Other Herbs to Try

This blend welcomes experimentation. Two additions I return to when I want to take it further:

Dried orange peel (Citrus reticulata), known as Chen Pi in TCM, is a warming herb that benefits digestion and adds a lovely citrusy, slightly bitter note that pairs beautifully with the umami-rich flavor profile of sencha.

Dried rose petals (Rosa spp.) are perhaps my most beloved herbal ally. Rose supports our emotional energetic center while its astringency tightens tissues and leaves you feeling rosy inside and out.

Tea is where most of us begin with herbs, and it’s where I keep returning. A few ingredients, some hot water, and you’re already there. Two to three cups is my norm and I hope it becomes yours too.

Catch Up on the Latest Reads:

References:

Kaptchuk, Ted J. 2000. The WebThat Has No Weaver : Understanding Chinese Medicine. Lincolnwood, Ill.: Contemporary Books.

Maoshing Ni. (1995) 1995. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine : A New Transl. Of the Neijing Suwen with Commentary. Boston U.A.: Shambhala.

Winston, David, and Steven Maimes. 2007. Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief . New York: Healing Arts Press.