Chrysanthemums are flowering plants native to East Asia and Northeastern Europe. The most diverse number of species was cultivated in China as early as the 15th century B.C. and later spread to Japan and Korea.
Chrysanthemum tea is the result when the blooms of chrysanthemum flowers from the C. morifolium and C. indicum species are brewed with water. Dried, whole chrysanthemum flowers are placed in a teapot with boiling water and steeped for several minutes until the water turns a golden yellow color. The result is a naturally gentle sweet herbal tea with a subtle floral aroma.
What does Chrysanthemum tea look like?
Chrysanthemum flowers are known for their vibrant yellow and white color, and retain their full shape when dried, not unlike the whole flowers used in chamomile tea. Dried chrysanthemum is usually the size of a nickel and sometimes smaller.
This is an example of the type of Wild Chrysanthemum Tea that we carry, which is the variety Guizotia Abyssinica. Others might have a different look.
Chamomile vs Chrysanthemum
So... what’s the difference? Both chrysanthemum and chamomile come from the same plant family, Asteraceae, which includes daisies and sunflowers. That means that the flowers all share somewhat of a resemblance. However, chamomile is perceived as a sedative for nerves and helps to calm indigestion. While chrysanthemum also provides these benefits, it’s great to drink before focusing on a task or before going to sleep. Both are soothing, delicate teas that may contain anti-inflammatory properties and calm the nerves overall.
What does Chrysanthemum tea taste like?
Chrysanthemum flower tea tastes mildly sweet with a hint of buttery warmth. The tea flavor is not overly floral, like jasmine or lavender. The flowers, when steeped, leave a soft aroma with gentle honey undertones and maintain their fluffy shape in hot water.
Does chrysanthemum tea have caffeine?
Herbal teas generally do not contain caffeine. Chrysanthemum tea is caffeine-free unless blended with tea leaves that contain caffeine, such as black or green tea. A pure, unfiltered cup of chrysanthemum tea can help with focus and clarity without the side effects of caffeine-based drinks, like tension, hyperactivity, and nervousness.
Click here to find out more about the content of caffeine in tea.
Benefits of Chrysanthemum tea
There are many benefits to drinking chrysanthemum tea, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Most commonly, chrysanthemum tea may reduce inflammation, calm the nerves, clear the mind, and boost the immune system for some people. Since chrysanthemum is one of the most common plants in China, it has been used for hundreds of years in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of health issues.
Chrysanthemum flower tea is recommended by herbalists as a cooling herb for the body when it’s overheated, and can also help treat fever, sore throat, and cold symptoms in the early stages of illness. It is connected to the energy channels of the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen. For people with the right body constitution, chrysanthemum tea can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, improve blood flow, and normalize blood pressure.
Holistic TCM practices that integrate body and mind, like acupuncture and qi gong, can also help relieve ailments when used in combination with chrysanthemum tea. Speak to your TCM practitioner for more information on how chrysanthemum tea can be used in combination with these practices, depending on your needs.
Remember to consult your doctor or healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, and especially if you are allergic to ragweed or daisies — chrysanthemum is a relative of these plants.
How to make Chrysanthemum tea
Use this recipe as a guideline to brew your own chrysanthemum tea. Experimentation and modification are encouraged to adapt the instructions to your tastes.
Chrysanthemum flowers 6 grams
Water 225 ml
Take the chrysanthemum flower tea and place it in your favorite brewing cup. Pour the water heated at 212°F (Boiling) over the flowers.
Let it steep for 1 to 2 minutes (We prefer a longer steeping time). Depending on your preference. If you have a brewing cup with the filter built-in just strain it. That's it...
The tea should be transparent with a pale or bright yellow tinge and a floral aroma.
Add sweetener if desired. When a refill is needed, feel free to add boiling water to the existing flowers in the pot, though the subsequent results won’t be as strong as the first brew. This is a simple way of making chrysanthemum tea.
Some other cultures, such as Korean and Japanese, have their own variations of preparing the tea. Small quantities of chrysanthemum flowers can also be combined with green tea, black tea, or an herbal mix of dried fruit peels and flowers, for a unique and custom taste.
Check our tea brewing guides for more methods.
How to cold brew Chrysanthemum tea
Chrysanthemum flower tea is known for its cooling properties and is a popular drink during the summertime, especially when iced.
To make iced chrysanthemum tea you can use the same ratio as with the hot brew.
As for the method, follow the same steps as above but substitute the hot water with cold water. Chill overnight and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. The next day just strain the liquid into a pitcher and it's ready to enjoy! We prefer straight but you can always adjust the sweetness to your taste.
Chrysanthemum simple syrup
You can also make a Chrysanthemum simple syrup to add to your tea.
Chrysanthemum tea 200 ml
Organic cane sugar 200 grams
Just boil the chrysanthemum tea with sugar. Cool down before use.
Sources:
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine-what-you-need-to-know
http://www.mums.org/history-of-the-chrysanthemum/