Mulberry Leaf
桑叶 · Sāng Yè
Clears your eyes, lungs, and head when heat builds up
What it does
Mulberry leaf is traditionally used for two things: early-stage colds (sore throat, cough, headache) and tired, strained eyes. In TCM, both come from heat rising in your body. When heat builds in your lungs, you get a dry cough. When it rises to your head, your eyes get red and your vision blurs. Mulberry leaf is traditionally used to clear that heat, and it's especially popular as an autumn tea.
How to take it
Steep 6–10g of dried mulberry leaves in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink warm for colds, or blend with chrysanthemum for a classic eye-soothing tea.
Brew mulberry leaf with chrysanthemum when your eyes feel dry or strained
Safety
- Very gentle. Suitable for most people including the elderly
- May lower blood sugar. Monitor closely if you have diabetes
- Best for short-term use during acute wind-heat conditions
- Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication
Where it comes from
The mulberry tree has been central to Chinese civilization for over 5,000 years, its leaves feed silkworms, making it foundational to the silk trade. But in TCM, the tree is a pharmacy unto itself: the leaf clears wind-heat, the fruit nourishes blood, the bark drains lung heat, and the twig treats joint pain. Mulberry leaf appears in classical formulas like Sāng Jú Yǐn (Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction), one of the most commonly prescribed formulas for early-stage colds in TCM practice.