Often the center of pretty floral arrangements, chrysanthemum is a beautiful flowering plant that is part of the Asteraceae family. The big and brightly hued flowers are surely a sight to look at, but do you know that they can be infused as tea too? Read on to discover more about chrysanthemum tea, its benefits and side effects, and the best tea brands in the market.
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What is Chrysanthemum Tea?
Chrysanthemum tea is one of the many floral infusions around the world. The flowers of chrysanthemum are either commercially dried or naturally parched under the sun before they are steeped in hot water. Blooming in different sizes, the perennial plant’s bigger and more cultivated flowers are often the most utilized in the market, with each flower ranging from three to four inches in diameters. The chrysanthemum flowers scale the color spectrum too, blossoming in purple, red, and green hues, but the yellow type takes center stage in the mainstream tea industry.
While the tropically thriving plant has flourished in the floral industry, its first role was as a traditional medicinal plant. The multi-layered flowers were regarded as a traditional remedy as early as China’s Han dynasty, landing a spot in the book Materia Medica. This herbal compilation was written by the Divine Farmer Shen Nong, who is celebrated as the primary person behind the country’s tea habit and industry. It then became a reference for colorful folklore and for succeeding studies on herbal medicines.
The ancient Chinese saw the flowers’ cooling quality aside from its physical aesthetics. They have observed that chrysanthemum tea acts as a coolant that can counter high body temperatures and areas, providing relief to a multitude of illnesses. Similarly, chrysanthemum tea was administered as an herbal remedy by the Koreans and Japanese too, predating Western tea traditions as it slowly gains attention today.
Aside from its various health benefits, chrysanthemum tea has a smooth floral taste and delicate aroma that keeps regular drinkers hooked. The infusion takes the flowers’ color too, resulting in a bright golden color from the yellow mums or in a rich reddish-purple hue from the dark purple buds.
Health Benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea
Contains Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties
Chrysanthemum tea, like other tea types, is observed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics. These properties may help in warding off potential ailments since inflammation and bad bacteria are the culprits for different diseases.
Good Source of Antioxidants
Chrysanthemum contains different kinds of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lignans that makes it a great source of antioxidants.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) compared two variants of chrysanthemum tea and reviewed the differences in their antioxidant activities. When infused in boiling water (100℃) for four minutes, the purple chrysanthemum tea had high amounts of antioxidants; whereas the yellow chrysanthemum tea’s antioxidant content was not seen to be affected by steeping time and temperature. While both tea types can fight free radicals, the study showed that the purple variety had higher antioxidant activity and suggested that it is worth looking into for tea purposes.
Prevents Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
A flavonoid present in chrysanthemum called myricetin prevents brain deterioration like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease as well as the formation of medulloblastoma, a kind of brain tumor.
Treats Migraine
Chrysanthemum contains a chemical called sumatriptan that is commonly used in medications to treat migraines and headaches.
Maintains Good Eyesight and Keeps Eyes Healthy
Who knew that drinking tea may help in maintaining good eyesight? Chrysanthemum tea is said to have beta-carotene that promotes good eyesight and overall eye health, in addition to the vitamin C content of the beverage. It is also believed that chrysanthemum tea can alleviate dryness and redness in the eyes. In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum is used to soothe red, painful, itchy, teary, or dry eyes. Plus, this caffeine-free tea allows you to sleep better, so no more puffy eyes in the morning!
Supports Liver and Kidney Health
Known as a good detoxifier, chrysanthemum tea boasts of benefits to the liver and kidneys. The infusion shows diuretic characteristics that remove toxic bodily waste and help in cleansing the urinary system. Further, the many antioxidants in the floral tea boost these two organs’ health.
Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Levels
Chrysanthemum tea is also noted for its effectiveness in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Mitigating these health risks, coupled with the anti-inflammatory properties of the tea, ensure the optimum heart health of the tea-drinker.
Helps Remove Varicose Veins
Chrysanthemum tea promotes a healthy circulatory system that in effect helps remove or subside varicose veins. As previously mentioned, it is also great for cardiovascular health as it prevents atherosclerosis or buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on your artery walls.
Alleviates Flu-Symptoms
The healing qualities of chrysanthemum tea are said to extend to respiratory illnesses too, particularly in alleviating mild cough, common colds, and flu. Squeezing a bit of lemon on this floral tea is believed to help in reducing coughing fits. Taking a hot cup is seen to lower the chance of these respiratory diseases’ toll on the body when taken at the onset of the symptoms.
Lowers Glucose Level For Diabetics
Chrysanthemum tea is proven to help lower blood glucose levels for newly diagnosed or poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and it improves glucose and insulin tolerance.
Has Relaxing and Cooling Effect
The absence of caffeine makes chrysanthemum tea a perfect nighttime drink. It is said to aid in a restful, uninterrupted sleep which prepares you for the busy days ahead. When the daily work toll catches up on you, brew some chrysanthemum flowers to help you get rid of the stress. Its cooling effect is also believed to fight body heat and negative energy.
Helps Clear Up Skin
Chrysanthemum tea is proven to help clear up skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne. At the same time, its anti inflammatory compound reduces puffiness and swelling. Chrysanthemum tea also contains a high amount of Vitamin C which is essential in the formation of collagen, which keeps your skin younger-looking and maintains our joint health
Proper Dosage and Side Effects
While chrysanthemum tea is a natural and healthy drink, precaution should be taken by tea enthusiasts who have existing medical conditions. For instance, people with hypertension should consult first with their healthcare provider before consuming the tea since it may affect their blood pressure levels. Similarly, people with prescription drugs should also seek the guidance of their physicians to ensure that the tea will not affect their medications. Pregnant and lactating women are highly advised to communicate with their doctors for their babies’ safety.
Since chrysanthemum shares similar characteristics with daisies, ragweed, and chamomile, people with allergic reactions to these plants may want to find another alternative for chrysanthemum tea. Any adverse reactions should also be recorded and reported to healthcare workers immediately.
On the other hand, proper dosage and daily limitations to drinking chrysanthemum tea are not yet officially established. Still, it is best to check the label of your favorite tea maker to guarantee that the chrysanthemum tea buds are pesticide- and insecticide-free, eliminating the risks of food and chemical poisoning.
Best Chrysanthemum Tea Blends
Cha Wu Warm Sun’s Chrysanthemum Tea
Hailing from none other than China, Cha Wu Warm Sun prides in their sweet and thick white Chrysanthemum Tea that hits all the smooth and delicate notes. The unopened flower buds guarantee a fuller tea flavor that is preserved by the brand’s professional cold storage in the country. To extract its maximum taste, Cha Wu Warm Sun recommends brewing about two to four grams (two grams is equal to 20 buds) of these fresh tea buds in 85-90℃C 250-350 ml of water. Steep for no more than three minutes or the tea will result in a bitter brew. Enjoy a warm cuppa of this clarifying tea after a heavy snacking binge to take advantage of its health benefits. To maintain the freshness of these Tong Xiang-based premium tea buds, store them in a dry area away from sunlight or in the fridge. Make sure to use the package’s sealing clips too, so you can have the freshness of chrysanthemum anytime!
Cha Wu Warm Sun’s Chrysanthemum Puerh Tea
Cha Wu Warm Sun takes advantage of its origins in China, combining two prized tea types that hail from the country. Puerh tea comes from the Yunnan province and is one of their highly valued products. The brand makes use of three-year-old Puerh tea, pushing this green tea derivation to peak fermentation. Containing 3.5 grams of tea leaves and buds, the triangle tea bag is best infused in 300 ml of freshly boiled water to achieve the bright copper color of this blend. Watch the chrysanthemum blossoms and the Camellia sinensis leaves swirl around the pretty tea bag while you slowly take in the unmistakable fragrance of chrysanthemum.
This tea blend layers the sweet floral tea with the caffeine-rich and earthy Puerh tea, so it is best taken in the morning when you’re fighting off the drowsiness or after a greasy meal to break down the heaviness. Don’t forget to store them in a dry, sunlight-free place!
Yeo’s Chrysanthemum Tea Drink
Running out of time to infuse some dried flowers? Yeo tea brand has a ready-to-drink chrysanthemum tea in handy tetra paks that you can drink anywhere your tea cravings hit. The natural floral flavor of chrysanthemum tea is preserved in this instant beverage, so tea purists can still enjoy and taste the infusion in every sip. It is lightly flavored with cane sugar which elevates the refreshing sweetness of the tea to a higher level.
The brand also highlights the healing characteristics of chrysanthemum tea on blood pressure and circulation, cholesterol, and blood glucose. With Yeo being a household name in Singapore and Malaysia, you can be sure that every tea pack is filled with nothing but tea goodness! Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the beverage, and stick a drinking straw for the full tropical experience.
Catherine Infusion Slimming Herbal Chrysanthemum Tea – Weight Loss Detox
Make a cup after meals or before bedtime. This mild laxative promotes a healthy bowel movement and expels excess water weight. This box contains 32 tea bags each containing 500 mg senna leaves, 1500 mg garcinia atroviridis, and 900 mg chrysanthemum flowers.
Ren He Tang Dried Chrysanthemum Tea
These dried chrysanthemum flower buds extract a bright and golden yellow infusion with mildly sweet flavor that is ideal for both hot and cold tea. It is best to keep these buds in an airtight tea container and refrigerated.
Chrysanthemum tea proves that there is more than what meets the eye. It has grown to be more than an ornamental plant, brimming with health benefits and sweet flavor that we can enjoy.
