Chrysanthemum Tea: Health Benefits, Preparation, and Everything You Need to Know

  Let’s talk about chrysanthemum tea—this light, floral tea that not only tastes great but also comes packed with health benefits. It’s one of those ancient remedies that’s stood the test of time, especially in Asian cultures, and has been sipped on for centuries for its calming, healing properties.

  Whether you’re a seasoned tea lover or just starting to explore herbal brews, this tea is worth adding to your list. So, grab a cozy spot, and let’s dive into what makes this flower-powered brew so special and how to easily make it at home.

In this blog post:

What’s the Deal with Chrysanthemum Tea?

Why Is This Tea So Popular in Asia?

Why Should You Drink Chrysanthemum Tea?

How to Make Chrysanthemum Tea

Drying Your Own Chrysanthemum Flowers

Is Your Tea Tasting Bitter? Here’s Why

Chrysanthemum Tea vs Other Herbal Teas

Where Can You Find Chrysanthemum Tea?

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Deal with Chrysanthemum Tea?

  First off, chrysanthemum tea is made from—you guessed it—dried chrysanthemum flowers. These pretty blooms, specifically Chrysanthemum morifolium and Chrysanthemum indicum, are known for their soothing, slightly sweet flavor. If you’ve ever walked into a tea shop and spotted a floral-scented option, this might have been it. It’s a popular herbal tea for a reason—it’s caffeine-free and perfect for winding down after a long day.

  Let’s break it down. There are two main kinds of chrysanthemums used in making tea:

 Chrysanthemum morifolium: These flowers are larger and offer a more delicate, mild taste.

 Chrysanthemum indicum: Smaller blooms that pack a little more punch in terms of flavor—earthier and stronger.

Why Is This Tea So Popular in Asia?

  Chrysanthemum tea isn’t just a random floral brew; it’s got deep roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, it’s believed to have "cooling" properties, which means it helps balance the body’s heat and keeps things in check. It’s often used to reduce fevers, soothe cold symptoms, and even improve longevity. In many parts of China, Korea, and other parts of Asia, you’ll see people sipping on this tea during social gatherings or when they need a natural pick-me-up.

So, Why Should You Drink Chrysanthemum Tea?

  You might be thinking, "It sounds nice, but what does it actually do for me?" Well, let’s get into it! Here are some of the awesome health benefits of this lovely floral drink.

 Loaded with Antioxidants

  Antioxidants are a big deal, and this tea is packed with them. These powerful compounds help your body fight off free radicals—basically, unstable molecules that can cause damage to your cells. Drinking chrysanthemum tea regularly can give your immune system a nice boost.

 Great for Your Eyes

  Ever stare at your screen for so long that your eyes feel like they’re burning? Chrysanthemum tea has traditionally been used to help with eye strain and dryness. It’s like a little herbal reset for your tired peepers.

 Helps You Chill Out

  Feeling stressed or anxious? A cup of this floral brew is known to have calming effects that can help you unwind. Whether you drink it before bed or during a hectic workday, it’s a great way to relax naturally.

 Helps with Fevers and Colds

  In TCM, chrysanthemum tea is a go-to remedy for reducing fevers and easing cold symptoms. It’s thought to have cooling properties, which can help lower your body temperature when you’re feeling overheated.

 Supports Heart Health

  Some research suggests that chrysanthemum tea might improve circulation and even help lower blood pressure, making it a good option for supporting heart health. Plus, it’s always nice to sip something that not only tastes good but also helps keep your heart happy.

Ready to Brew? Here’s How to Make Chrysanthemum Tea

  Making chrysanthemum tea at home is super simple. Whether you use dried or fresh flowers, the process is quick, and you’ll be enjoying your tea in no time.

What You Need:

• Dried or fresh chrysanthemum flowers (you can usually find them in tea shops or online)
• Hot water (not boiling)
• Honey or lemon (optional, but yummy)

How to Make It:

1. Heat the Water: Get your water to about 90°C (194°F). You don’t want boiling water because it can make the tea taste bitter.
2. Add the Flowers: Toss 3-4 dried or fresh flowers into your teapot or mug.
3. Steep It: Pour the hot water over the flowers and let them steep for 3-5 minutes.
4. Strain and Sip: Strain out the flowers, then add honey or lemon if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy!

And that’s it! You’ve just made a beautiful, fragrant cup of chrysanthemum tea.

Drying Your Own Chrysanthemum Flowers

  If you’re lucky enough to have access to fresh chrysanthemum flowers, you can easily dry them at home and keep them around for future tea-making. Here’s how:

 Air Drying: Lay the flowers out on a clean cloth in a sunny spot and let them dry for 3-5 days until they’re crispy.

 Dehydrator: If you want to speed things up, pop them into a food dehydrator. This keeps the flavor intact and gives you dried flowers in no time.

  Once dried, store them in an airtight container, and you’re all set for months of tea enjoyment.

Is Your Tea Tasting Bitter? Here’s Why

  If you’ve ever brewed a cup of chrysanthemum tea and found it tasted a little bitter, don’t worry—this is a common issue, and it’s easy to fix.

Common Causes of Bitterness:

 Over-steeping: Letting the flowers sit too long can lead to a bitter taste.

 Water Too Hot: Boiling water can burn the delicate flowers, giving you a harsher brew.

How to Avoid It:

  To prevent bitterness, keep the steeping time between 3-5 minutes and use water that’s hot, but not boiling. You’ll get a much smoother, sweeter flavor this way.

Chrysanthemum Tea vs Other Herbal Teas

  You might be wondering how this floral brew compares to other herbal favorites. Here’s a quick rundown:

 Chamomile: Both are known for their calming effects, but chrysanthemum tea has a more floral, delicate taste compared to chamomile’s earthiness.

 Green Tea: Green tea has a stronger flavor and contains caffeine, while chrysanthemum tea is naturally caffeine-free and sweeter.

 Hibiscus: Hibiscus is tangier and more fruity, while chrysanthemum is light and subtly sweet.

Where Can You Find Chrysanthemum Tea?

  You’re probably wondering where you can pick some up. The good news is, it’s pretty easy to find. You can check out specialty tea shops, herbal stores, or even order it online from places like here! Just be sure to look for high-quality, (best organic) dried flowers to get the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it good for colds?
Yes! It’s often used to help reduce fevers and soothe cold symptoms.

How long should I steep it?
For the best flavor, steep the flowers for 3-5 minutes.

Can it help me sleep?
Absolutely! It’s calming and perfect for winding down at night.

How often can I drink it?
You can safely enjoy 1-3 cups a day. Like with anything, moderation is key.

Does it help with digestion?
Yes, its anti-inflammatory properties can help ease digestion and reduce bloating.

So, Why Not Give Chrysanthemum Tea a Try?

  Whether you’re looking to relax, support your immune system, or just try something new, chrysanthemum tea offers a lot more than just a pleasant flavor. It’s packed with health benefits and has been enjoyed for centuries for good reason. So, why not brew yourself a cup today and enjoy the calming, floral goodness? It might just become your new favorite way to unwind.

Sources:

Chen, Y., Fu, T., Tao, L., & Zou, Y. (2016). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of chrysanthemum tea extracts. Journal of Functional Foods, 26, 131-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2016.07.009

Wang, Q., & Cui, J. (2014). Chrysanthemum morifolium extract improves antioxidant status and decreases oxidative stress in aging rats. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 62(27), 6481-6486. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf501943x

Zhao, H., Zhang, X., & Zheng, X. (2017). Effects of chrysanthemum tea on cardiovascular risk factors: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, 10, 18-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnim.2017.01.005

Liu, J., Zhang, Y., & Yang, Z. (2018). Chrysanthemum morifolium and its potential for skin protection. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 219, 293-299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.03.031

Li, P., Luo, Q., & Shen, L. (2013). Pharmacological properties of chrysanthemum morifolium: A review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 7(10), 632-637. https://doi.org/10.5897/JMPR12.1002

Kim, H., Park, S., & Lee, J. (2015). Anti-inflammatory effects of chrysanthemum indicum on skin cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(5), 9820-9832. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms16059820

Zhang, X., Gao, H., & Yang, J. (2019). Chrysanthemum indicum and its effects on balancing yin and yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 9(3), 245-252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.03.006