10 Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits + How to Brew It (UK Guide)
By Eco Natural Products | Last updated: June 2026
Chrysanthemum tea is one of the most-drunk herbal teas in East Asia — and for good reason. Brewed from the dried flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium, this golden, caffeine-free infusion has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 1,000 years to support everything from eye health to liver function.
Here in the UK, interest in chrysanthemum tea is growing fast. In this guide we cover 10 evidence-based chrysanthemum tea benefits, how to brew it properly, how to combine it with goji berries, and what to watch out for — so you can make the most of every cup.
Quick summary: Chrysanthemum tea is caffeine-free, rich in antioxidants, and traditionally used to support eyes, heart, liver, immunity, and sleep. It brews in 3–5 minutes and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
In this blog post:
What It Is | 10 Benefits | Goji Berry Blend | TCM Uses | How to Brew | Pregnancy Safety | Precautions | Where to Buy | FAQs | Summary
What Is Chrysanthemum Tea?
Chrysanthemum tea is a herbal infusion made from dried chrysanthemum flowers — most commonly Chrysanthemum morifolium or Chrysanthemum indicum. The flowers are dried and then steeped in hot water, producing a light golden drink with a delicate floral flavour and a faintly sweet finish.
Unlike green or black tea, chrysanthemum tea contains no caffeine, which makes it ideal for drinking in the evening or for those who are caffeine-sensitive.
Types of chrysanthemum tea
Hangzhou (Hangbai) chrysanthemum — mild, sweet, pale white; the most popular variety for daily drinking
Gong chrysanthemum — stronger, slightly bitter, traditionally used for 'heat-clearing' in TCM
Snow (Kunlun) chrysanthemum — rare, grown in Xinjiang at high altitude; larger flowers, distinctly sweet
Yellow chrysanthemum — more intense flavour, traditional in Hong Kong-style tea houses
10 Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits Backed by Research
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Chrysanthemum flowers are loaded with antioxidants including flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, apigenin), chlorogenic acid, and carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin). These compounds neutralise harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress — a key driver of ageing and chronic disease.
Why it matters: Antioxidants help protect your cells from everyday damage caused by pollution, UV light, and processed foods — particularly relevant for those of us living in UK cities.
2. Supports Eye Health
This is one of the most celebrated chrysanthemum tea benefits in TCM — and modern science backs it up. The lutein and zeaxanthin in chrysanthemum flowers accumulate in the retina and help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts by filtering harmful blue light and reducing oxidative damage.
Chrysanthemum tea also contains beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A — essential for good night vision and maintaining healthy eye tissue.
Good for: Dry eyes, screen fatigue, long-term eye health. If you spend long hours at a screen, a daily cup is a gentle, natural support.
3. May Help Manage Blood Pressure
Chrysanthemum tea has natural vasodilatory properties — it helps widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. Its high potassium content also plays a role: potassium helps counteract the effects of sodium and relaxes blood vessel walls.
In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum tea is frequently prescribed to calm 'rising yang energy' — a pattern often associated with hypertension, headaches, and dizziness.
Caution: If you are on blood pressure medication, speak to your GP before drinking chrysanthemum tea regularly, as it may amplify effects.
4. Supports Liver Health
One of the lesser-known but important chrysanthemum tea benefits is its traditional use for liver support. TCM practitioners have long prescribed chrysanthemum tea to help the liver 'detoxify' and reduce internal heat — particularly after excess alcohol or a rich diet.
Preliminary research suggests that flavonoids in chrysanthemum may help protect liver cells from oxidative damage, though large-scale human trials are still limited.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many modern health conditions, including heart disease, arthritis, and metabolic syndrome. The flavonoids and chlorogenic acid in chrysanthemum tea have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies, suggesting the tea may help reduce systemic inflammation over time.
6. Calming & Sleep Support
Chrysanthemum tea has a well-established reputation as a calming drink. It is naturally caffeine-free, making it an excellent evening tea. Some studies point to mild sedative-like effects, potentially linked to its action on the nervous system and its ability to lower blood pressure slightly.
In TCM, chrysanthemum tea is used to calm the mind (shen) and ease restlessness — making it a popular choice before bedtime.
Tip: Try a cup of chrysanthemum tea 30–60 minutes before bed, optionally with a small amount of honey, as an alternative to chamomile.
7. Boosts Immune Function
Chrysanthemum tea contains vitamins C and E, as well as various flavonoids that have been shown to modulate immune responses. It has traditionally been used in China at the first sign of a cold or flu — particularly to ease a sore throat, reduce fever, and clear 'wind-heat' in TCM terms.
The tea may also help with coughs — it is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a mild expectorant and to soothe throat irritation.
8. Supports Cardiovascular Health
Regular consumption of chrysanthemum tea may contribute to heart health through several mechanisms. The tea's flavonoid content helps maintain blood vessel elasticity, whilst potassium supports healthy blood pressure. Some research also suggests that chrysanthemum extracts may help modulate cholesterol levels.
9. Metabolic & Weight Management Support
Chrysanthemum tea acts as a mild natural diuretic, helping the body flush excess fluid. Its fibre content may also help manage appetite and support healthy digestion. Whilst it is not a weight-loss miracle, drinking it as part of a balanced diet may support overall metabolic health.
Note: Chrysanthemum tea is very low in calories (essentially zero when drunk without sweetener), making it a smart swap for sugary soft drinks.
10. Skin Health
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of chrysanthemum tea translate naturally to skin benefits. The tea may help reduce redness and irritation, support collagen health by fighting oxidative stress, and improve overall skin clarity. TCM also uses chrysanthemum externally — cooled tea can be applied to the skin as a gentle toner.
Chrysanthemum Tea with Goji Berries: A Powerful Combination
One of the most popular ways to drink chrysanthemum tea in China is combined with goji berries (wolfberries). This pairing is no accident — it is a classic TCM formula that amplifies the benefits of both ingredients.
Why combine them?
Goji berries are rich in zeaxanthin, which works synergistically with the lutein in chrysanthemum for eye health
Goji's warming nature balances chrysanthemum's cooling nature in TCM
The combination supports liver and kidney health together
The natural sweetness of goji berries reduces the need for added sugar
How to make chrysanthemum and goji berry tea
1. Add 8–12 dried chrysanthemum flowers to a teapot or heatproof glass
2. Add 10–15 goji berries
3. Pour over water at 85–90°C (not boiling)
4. Steep for 4–5 minutes
5. Optionally add a small piece of rock sugar or a teaspoon of honey
6. Eat the goji berries after drinking — they soften and become sweet
You can re-steep the same flowers and goji berries 2–3 times. Each re-steep produces a lighter, slightly different flavour.
Chrysanthemum Tea in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, chrysanthemum is classified as a 'cooling' herb that clears 'heat' and 'wind-heat' from the body. This makes it particularly useful for:
Headaches and dizziness (especially those aggravated by heat or stress)
Red, dry, or irritated eyes
Early-stage colds and sore throats
High blood pressure and liver 'heat'
Restlessness and difficulty sleeping
Because of its cooling nature, TCM cautions that chrysanthemum tea may not be ideal for people with a 'cold constitution', stomach cold, or diarrhoea. In those cases, pairing it with warming goji berries or ginger is recommended.
How to Brew Chrysanthemum Tea: Step-by-Step
What you need
• 8–15 dried chrysanthemum flowers (loose) or 1 tea bag
• 250–350ml water at 85–90°C
• A teapot, glass mug, or infuser
• Optional: rock sugar, honey, goji berries, or a slice of lemon
Method
1. Rinse flowers briefly with a little hot water, then discard that water (removes dust)
2. Pour 85–90°C water over the flowers (not boiling — boiling water makes the tea bitter)
3. Steep for 3–5 minutes
4. Strain and drink while warm, or allow to cool for iced chrysanthemum tea
5. Re-steep the same flowers 2–3 times
Iced chrysanthemum tea (cold brew)
Cold-brew chrysanthemum tea is a refreshing summer drink. Place 12–15 flowers and 600ml of cold water in a jug and refrigerate for 6–8 hours. The result is a light, floral, slightly sweet drink with no bitterness. Add goji berries or a slice of lemon to serve.
Is Chrysanthemum Tea Safe in Pregnancy?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions about chrysanthemum tea. The general guidance is to drink it only occasionally and in moderation during pregnancy, rather than as a daily drink.
Chrysanthemum tea is cooling in TCM, and some traditional practitioners advise caution in the first trimester. Its blood-pressure-lowering effect is also worth noting if you have low blood pressure during pregnancy.
Always check with your midwife or GP before adding any new herbal tea to your diet during pregnancy.
Precautions & Who Should Avoid It
Allergies: People allergic to ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or asters (all in the Asteraceae family) may react to chrysanthemum
Blood pressure medication: May amplify effects — check with your GP
Cold constitution: If you feel cold easily, have loose stools, or low energy, balance with ginger or goji
Excessive use: Stick to 1–3 cups per day. More than this is unlikely to cause harm but offers no additional benefit
Where to Buy Chrysanthemum Tea in the UK
Chrysanthemum tea is increasingly easy to find in the UK:
• Online at Eco Natural Products — we stock high-quality dried chrysanthemum tea bags
• Asian supermarkets — chrysanthemum tea bags and cans (Yeo's brand) widely available
• Holland & Barrett — occasional stocking of chrysanthemum tea products
• Health food shops — look for organic dried chrysanthemum flowers for the best quality
When buying loose dried flowers, look for whole, intact blossoms with a clean floral scent. Avoid yellowed or broken flowers — these are older stock and will produce a weaker, staler brew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chrysanthemum tea contain caffeine?
No. Chrysanthemum tea is completely caffeine-free. It is made from flowers, not tea leaves, and contains no caffeine whatsoever. This makes it a perfect evening drink or a good option for anyone reducing their caffeine intake.
How many cups of chrysanthemum tea can I drink per day?
Most people drink 1–3 cups per day without any issues. There is no strict upper limit, but because chrysanthemum is cooling, drinking very large amounts daily may not suit everyone, particularly those with a cold constitution.
Can I drink chrysanthemum tea for dry eyes?
Yes — this is one of its most traditional uses. The lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene in chrysanthemum tea support retinal and eye tissue health. It will not replace eye drops for acute dryness, but regular consumption may help as part of a long-term eye health routine.
What does chrysanthemum tea taste like?
Chrysanthemum tea has a light, floral flavour with a gentle sweetness and a mildly grassy finish. It is much less bitter than green tea and less 'herby' than chamomile. Most people find it pleasant and easy to drink, even without sweetener.
Can I mix chrysanthemum tea with other herbs?
Absolutely. Popular combinations include goji berries (eye health), honeysuckle (extra cooling, good for colds), cassia seed (digestive and liver support), and peppermint (cooling and refreshing). In TCM, chrysanthemum is rarely drunk alone — blending is part of the tradition.
Summary: Is Chrysanthemum Tea Worth Drinking?
Chrysanthemum tea is a gentle, versatile, caffeine-free herbal tea with a long history of use and a growing body of science behind it. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and eye-supporting properties make it one of the most well-rounded herbal teas you can add to your routine.
It is particularly good for: eye health and screen fatigue, blood pressure support, calm evenings and better sleep, liver support, and early-stage colds and sore throats.
The best way to get started is with a good-quality source of loose dried flowers. Browse our chrysanthemum tea collection at Eco Natural Products and discover the difference quality makes in every cup.
Buy yours: chrysanthemum tea bags
Sources
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Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Chrysanthemum tea is a traditional herbal drink with a long history of safe use; however, the health benefits described are based on preliminary research and traditional use, and not all claims have been confirmed by large-scale clinical trials in humans.
If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are taking medication, please consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.
