Chrysanthemum Flower Tea

One of the most popular herbal teas to drink in China is Chrysanthemum Flower Tea. It is quite tasty with a natural sweet fragrance and taste. Brewing it with rock sugar enhances the taste, and it is equally refreshing if served hot or cold. When enjoyed with a meal, it aids in the digestion of spicy and greasy foods. When sipped after strenuous exercise or on a hot day, it cools the body.

An Herbal Remedy

Chrysanthemum Flower Tea is quite versatile in alleviating the symptoms of certain common ailments. Here are a few ways you can use it as a home remedy:

• To create clarity and sense of well being.
• To strengthen the lungs and relieve head and sinus congestion.
• Apply steeped Chrysanthemum flowers to eyes to relieve dryness and itching.
• To reduce fever, sore throat, and other heat-related illnesses.
• To treat mild sunstroke.

If brewed from Chrysanthemum flowers only (no blend of green or black teas), it contains no caffeine and thus can be served as a perfect summertime drink to children.

How to Brew Chrysanthemum Flower Tea

1. Rinse tea cup and teapot with hot water.
2. Use one flower per teacup and 3-5 per teapot.
3. Steep tea in hot water (plain or with rock sugar or honey) for 2-4 minutes or until the liquid turns light yellow.
4. Strain and serve.

This tea can be brewed an additional two to three times so don’t discard it after the first brew. After the third brew, use the flowers as soothing eye masks after a long day watching a computer screen.