Chrysanthemum Tea is a herbal tea or tisane containing the Chrysanthemum flower of the Chrysanthemum indicum plant originating in East Asia. This flower-based tea is a Chinese tisane that is mainly used for medicinal purpose.
The slight sweet taste and fragrance of the tea makes it the best option for relaxing and calming the nerves.
Background of Chrysanthemum Herbal Tea
Chrysanthemum indicum or the Chrysanthemum flower is the native of Europe and Asia. The healing properties of the flower are immense which makes it a wonder ingredient for teas and other infusions. In Chinese medicine, Chrysanthemum tea has special significance for treating several ailments.
The yellow or white Chrysanthemum flowers are particularly used to make this sweet beverage. In Korea, the tea is famous by the names hangul and hanja.
Preparation of Chrysanthemum Herbal Tea
Dried Chrysanthemum flowers are generally used to prepare this herbal tea. Water is boiled and cooled down to 90-95 degrees. The dried flowers are steeped in the warm water poured in tea pot, glass or cup.
Though the flower tends to have natural sweet taste, the tea is complemented with rock sugar. Wolfberry is also an ingredient that is often added to the Chrysanthemum tea for extra flavor.
The resulting beverage varies in color from pale to dark yellow color. Usually, the drink looks transparent with a floral taste and aroma. The first brew is always strong, but once the tea is finished in the tea pot, boiled water is again added to the pot containing flowers. The second and other consecutive brews are less strong, but repeating the process is a tradition in Chinese culture.
Varieties of Chrysanthemum Flower Used in Tea
In Thai, the flower used to make Chrysanthemum tea is known as ‘gek huay’, whereas in Tamil language it is known as ‘saamandhi’.
Other varieties of this aromatic flower are as follows:
- Boju – this variety is originated Bonzhou district, Anhui.
- Chuju – mainly grown in Chuzhou district. Anhui.
- Huángshān Gòngjú – a variety of Chrysanthemum flower that is typically yellow in color. Also called ‘gongju’.
- Hángbáijú – simply known as ‘hangju’, is a variety originated in Tongxiang.
Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits
Chrysanthemum is a cooling herb; hence it is a suitable ingredient to make a soothing drink. Following are the benefits of drinking Chrysanthemum herbal tea:
- The tea aids in the recovery from acne and influenza.
- It reduces fever as well as helps in curing sore throat.
- In Korea, this tisane is a popular awakening beverage that keeps people alert for longer time.
- In western herbalism, this herbal tea is helpful in treating circulatory disorders.
- In China, the tea is a wonder blend to treat eye pain due to stress and deficiency of eye fluid.
- Dizziness, dark spots under eyes, diminished vision and even blurring may be well treated with the intake of this flower-based tea.
- It clears liver as well.
Trivia
Chrysanthemum tea helps in controlling the emotions of anger and stress.
