10 Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits - What does it taste like?
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Time to read 9 min
Introduction
For centuries, Chrysanthemum tea has been Asia’s drink of choice due to its distinct flavor and coveted health benefits. Its satisfying aroma, unique taste, and perceived medical properties satisfy the palate while strengthening the body.
After finishing this article, you’ll better understand how this delicious brew has helped many generations of tea lovers enjoy their wellness journey while soaked in proud traditions.
Let's preview the wonders of this amazing beverage, from its delicious taste to its deep-rooted history.
Table of content
History And Origin of Chrysanthemum Tea
Ancient texts and writings show that using Chrysanthemums tea as an herbal supplement has a long and honored history in Chinese culture. As early as the 15th century B.C., the flower was celebrated as one of its most famous, and its popularity rapidly spread across Asia and eventually reached the world.
Many of the chrysanthemums grown in regions like Mount Tiantai were used for ceremonial rituals representing purity and enlightenment, which blended health, history, and a touch of floral magic in every cup after centuries of tradition.
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- Rich in Nutrients: Chrysanthemum tea contains beneficial compounds that support overall wellness.
- Calming and Soothing: Known for its relaxing properties, it’s a great way to unwind and de-stress.
- Perfect for Any Season: Whether hot or iced, chrysanthemum tea is a versatile drink suitable year-round.
Main Types of Chrysanthemum Tea
Each variety of chrysanthemum tea is a unique experience and contributes special benefits when used. The Yellow Mountain Tribute Chrysanthemum tea (Huángshān-gòngjú) has a gentle sweetness and is frequently presented as an honor to its superior quality.
Another popular blend is the Hangzhou White Chrysanthemum (Hángbáijú). This delicious beverage is well-known for its ability to help relax the mind and body.
Next, there's the Chu Chrysanthemum (Chújú) from Anhui. Many enjoy its more robust flavor, making it ideal for those seeking a bolder drink. To satisfy the more adventurous palate, Bozhou Chrysanthemum (Bójú) offers a unique bitterness that's often blended for medical use.
Each blend, from cultivation to consumption, makes chrysanthemum tea a beverage that creates an exceptional sensory experience.
"Looking to unwind naturally? Chrysanthemum tea, with its caffeine-free, calming properties, is the perfect choice for stress relief and relaxation."
Health Benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea
The joys of chrysanthemum tea aren’t just about flavor. There are many beneficial reasons for drinking it daily. Here’s a list of the top 10 benefits of regularly enjoying the enticing aroma of chrysanthemums:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties：
Chrysanthemum tea is recognized for reducing inflammation, which is linked to conditions like arthritis and general body aches and pains. It’s rich in plant compounds and essential oils, which reduce redness and swelling and combat daily wear and tear on your body.
2. Rich in Antioxidants：
Packed with antioxidants that act like an army of microscopic warriors against cell damage, it fights harmful molecules, potentially slowing aging, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and promoting a vibrant, healthy you.
3. Blood Pressure Regulation：
In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum tea helps manage blood pressure, and current medical research supports those claims. Healthline.com reports that at least one study shows that chrysanthemum effectively reduces blood pressure when included as part of an overall food therapy routine.
4. Liver Health：
With its floral embrace, chrysanthemum tea is a gentle detox for your liver. It supports its cleansing function and is a soothing balm for this vital organ with every sip.
5. Eye Health：
If you have difficulty with eye strain, chrysanthemum tea may provide the relief you need because it's rich in eye nutrients. These two antioxidants shield the retina from blue light damage.
Additional positive impacts on your vision include reducing redness and potentially slowing age-related decline in vision with regular consumption. These properties can prove highly valuable during long hours in front of computer screens or extended reading sessions.
6. Skin Benefits：
Again, due to its rich antioxidant profile, chrysanthemum tea is a natural solution for improving skin health. Brimming with vitamin C, it boosts skin protein, reduces wrinkles, and enhances skin elasticity. As part of a daily routine, it can combat cell damage, leading to a radiant, youthful glow.
7. Digestive Aid：
Its soothing properties help with digestion by promoting digestive fluid production, enhancing fat breakdown, and alleviating symptoms like bloating, making it a gentle yet effective digestive aid to your system.
8. Boosts the Immune System：
Regular consumption of this tea can bolster the immune system because chrysanthemums are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Like plant compounds, they enhance white blood cell activity, promote resistance against some common ailments, and fortify your body’s defense against germs.
9. Headache Relief：
The tea is particularly effective for headaches caused by heat or stress. Its cooling nature helps alleviate inflammation, which eases tension headaches and can help reduce migraine frequency with regular consumption.
10. Promotes Relaxation and Sleep：
Chrysanthemum tea is an excellent beverage for promoting relaxation and enhancing sleep quality. Its calming properties, often attributed to calming compounds, can help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s ideal for winding down after a long, stressful day.
Does Chrysanthemum Tea Contain Caffeine?
Unlike its caffeinated counterparts, green or black tea, which boosts caffeine and chocolate compound levels, chrysanthemum tea offers a serene escape.
Derived from the chrysanthemum flower, it avoids the stimulating effect of caffeine and is ideal for evening relaxation.
How To Prepare Chrysanthemum Tea
To prepare chrysanthemum tea, select the finest dried buds, often sourced from regions like Hangzhou, for their superior quality. Boil water to around 203°F, just below boiling, to preserve the floral notes. Warm your teapot with this water to maintain the optimal brewing temperature. Add 3-5 grams of chrysanthemum per cup to your warmed teapot.
Now, pour the hot water over the buds, ensuring they're fully submerged. Cover and let soak for 5-7 minutes; this allows the tea to release its full spectrum of flavors without bitterness. Strain into your cup and enjoy this aromatic flavor, perhaps with a touch of honey for a subtle sweetness that complements the tea's natural floral essence.
Conversely, Draxe.com recommends the following preparation of the drink, “For every 8 ounces of water, add 3–6 whole mum flowers. Let the flowers steep for about five minutes (until water becomes golden yellow). Strain flowers. Add sugar substitutes, like honey or stevia, if preferred."
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How To Store Chrysanthemum Tea
Proper storage of Chrysanthemum tea preserves its integrity and ensures that your brew retains its flavor. For the best results begin by choosing an airtight container to shield it from oxidation and moisture contamination. Dark glass and ceramic are excellent choices because they block UV light that can degrade the tea's compounds.
For an extra layer of protection, consider vacuum sealing or using oxygen absorbers to create an inert atmosphere, preventing flavor degradation. Equally important is the storage environment; store your tea in a cool, dark place. This will keep it away from volatile compounds like spices or onions, which could tarnish the tea's purity.
To provide maximum protection for your tea, consider investing in a humidity-controlled tea safe that maintains the humidity level at a comfortable 60% to preserve its flavor and aroma for lasting enjoyment.
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Traditional Chrysanthemum Tea Stories
There are many historical references to the popularity and health benefits of chrysanthemum tea. For instance, a tea merchant known as Li Wei owned a tea shop in the city of Hangzhou. He was well-known for his chrysanthemum tea until a weary foreigner visited Li's shop one day, hoping to experience the tea he had heard so much about.
Delighted that a stranger from a faraway land was interested in his tea, Li Wei began to show him how his delightful beverage was brewed. As he gleefully prepared the tea, he regaled his visitor with stories of Huangshan Gongju chrysanthemums that are handpicked at dawn from the Yellow Mountains, where it's said that the morning mist imbues them with its mystical essence.
Li Wei whispered of the floral drink’s journey from its medical use in the Song Dynasty to its modern-day charm as the tea soaked until its golden hue emerged from the rising steam.
The traveler, sipping the tea, felt as if he were conversing with history, each petal unfurling tales of emperors and poets.
Another widely circulated account was during the Double Ninth Festival, in a village where the people adorned their homes with chrysanthemum garlands. In keeping with tradition, an old man known as Master Chen prepared his legendary ju hua cha for the festival goers.
His method involved carefully rinsed chrysanthemums which he sourced from the famed Bozhou region, known for their robust flavor, in bamboo salt water.
While the tea sat, Chen proudly explained how it would release its full body of flavor when added to 90°C water without tasting bitter.
The entire village then celebrates once they're served tea with a spot of rock sugar, symbolizing the festival's joy and the community's resilience, which mirrored the ability of the chrysanthemum to thrive in the face of adversity.
“Packed with antioxidants and soothing properties, chrysanthemum tea is your delicious path to relaxation and health.”
Reasons to Enjoy This Beverage
Chrysanthemum tea transcends the ordinary, offering refreshment and connection to ancient wisdom and health practices. According to Gardenia.net , it “…contains B vitamins, particularly choline, folacin, niacin, riboflavin, and pyridoxine. These B vitamins assist in metabolism, energy production, and maintaining healthy skin and cognitive functions."
This tea takes you where tradition meets wellness in every cup. Each sip highlights its health benefits and cements its place in healthy traditions, making chrysanthemum tea a versatile and beneficial addition to a health-conscious routine.
The Author : Camille Liu
Camille comes from an extended tea-making family, which has passed on their knowledge from generation to generation. At Red Rock Tea House, our story continues through Camille. She has been cultivating tea at her family farm for over 100 years! This heritage continues today at our company!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times to drink chrysanthemum tea?
Chrysanthemum tea is ideal for drinking throughout the day, especially in the evening due to its calming and caffeine-free properties. It can be enjoyed after meals to aid digestion or before bed to promote relaxation and better sleep.
Can chrysanthemum tea help with cold or flu symptoms?
Yes, chrysanthemum tea is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with symptoms of colds or flu. It’s believed to have cooling properties, which can reduce fever, soothe a sore throat, and alleviate sinus congestion.
How does chrysanthemum tea compare to green tea or black tea?
Unlike green or black tea, chrysanthemum tea is made from flowers and is caffeine-free, making it a great option for those who want to avoid stimulants. While green and black teas offer a slightly more robust flavor profile, chrysanthemum tea has a delicate floral taste and focuses on relaxation and cooling effects rather than energizing properties.
Is chrysanthemum tea safe for pregnant women?
Chrysanthemum tea is generally considered safe for pregnant women when consumed in moderation. However, as with any herbal teas, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before adding it to your diet during pregnancy, especially if you are unsure about its effects.
Can chrysanthemum tea be mixed with other teas or herbs?
Yes, chrysanthemum tea can be blended with other teas or herbs to enhance its flavor or benefits. Popular combinations include chrysanthemum tea with goji berries, honey, or peppermint to add natural sweetness and additional health benefits.
How long can chrysanthemum tea be stored after preparation?
Chrysanthemum tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours after preparation. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor. For the best taste, it's recommended to consume the tea within 24 hours.
Can chrysanthemum tea be enjoyed cold?
Yes, chrysanthemum tea is delicious both hot and cold. During warmer months, it’s a refreshing iced tea option that retains all its health benefits. You can brew the tea as usual, then chill it in the refrigerator and add ice before serving.
What’s the difference between fresh and dried chrysanthemum flowers in tea?
Fresh chrysanthemum flowers offer a more delicate and fragrant flavor, while dried flowers have a more concentrated taste and are easier to store long-term. Dried flowers are typically used in traditional teas because they maintain their potency and benefits for longer periods.
Are there any side effects from drinking chrysanthemum tea?
Chrysanthemum tea is generally safe for most people, but it may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to flowers like daisies, marigolds, or ragweed. Symptoms may include skin rashes, itching, or respiratory irritation. If you experience any of these reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
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