Schisandra Five-Flavor Tea

Name: Schisandra Five-Flavor Tea
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 cups
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: Dried schisandra berries — 1 tbsp; Goji berries — 1 tsp (optional); Hot water — 2 cups; Honey — to taste

Wood Element · 木 Sour Warm

The first time I tasted schisandra I had to sit down. All five flavors, in order, in one berry. I have been a believer since.

Prep 15 min

Servings 2 cups

Element Wood 木

Total 15 min

By FiveFlavor Kitchen Reviewed by Dr. M. Wu, L.Ac. Updated August 17, 2026

Why This Elixir Works

Schisandra is traditionally used to support the Lung and Kidney, gather the body's fluids, and calm the spirit. It is one of the few herbs in the Chinese tradition that contains all five flavors.

Wood element · Sour phase of the five-flavor cycle

Ingredients

Dried schisandra berries 1 tbsp
Goji berries 1 tsp (optional)
Hot water 2 cups
Honey to taste

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The Refining Process

Step 1
Lightly crush the schisandra berries.
Step 2
Steep in just-off-boil water 10-12 minutes.
Step 3
Strain; sweeten with honey if desired.

Alchemist's Note

Educational purposes only.

Schisandra means “five flavor berry”: sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, and salty all in one small red fruit. Brewed alone or with goji, it is the ultimate single-ingredient tour of the system.