Chrysanthemum Tea – Health Benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea
Health Benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea
We all have dreamed of potions that would take away our stress. Thankfully, some potions are easy to make and have their results rooted in science. Chrysanthemum Tea is one such beverage that would help you to de-stress. The chrysanthemum flowers are medicinal. Among the latest trends, the tea made out of these flowers is gaining popularity. The tea will help calm your nerves and treat respiratory problems.
All About Chrysanthemum Tea
This herbal tea is flowery in aroma and refreshing. It is on par with Chamomile tea with its zero caffeine content. Further ahead in this article, we will talk about,
- Biology of Chrysanthemums
- What is chrysanthemum tea
- Chrysanthemum tea in Chinese tradition
- What are its health benefits
- How to make chrysanthemum tea
- What are the possible side effects of having the tea
Chrysanthemum – Biology
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum Morfolium) or popularly known as ‘mums’ are perennial plants that bloom in the fall when most plants shed their leaves. Thus, it adds color to the fall. You can grow it at home in garden pots. They are easily identified by their bright hue and they bloom in various colors but blue. You can easily identify the flower through their petal structure. It has a single layer of petals arranged in a disc shape around a center, which has a color different than the petals. The petals curve inward and upward. It grows to a diameter of 2 to 3 inches.
What is Chrysanthemum Tea
When you think of making tea, this flower based beverage might not be your first thought but with its growing popularity, you might want to give it a try. Unlike other teas, which use the leaves of a plant for flavor, this tea uses flowers for infusing taste and aroma. It is made from dried chrysanthemum flowers. You can get the flowers for the tea from Asian markets or you could dry them at home too by putting the flowers in a sunny spot and letting them dry. You could also use a dehumidifier to dry them out quickly.
When added to hot water to make the tea, the resulting drink is transparent and ranges from pale to bright yellow. This tea has a variety of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, organic compound, amino acids, and soothing chemicals. It has a flowery aroma. Add rock sugar or cane sugar to sweeten the tea. This tea helps you feel rejuvenated without the dangers of caffeine.
Chrysanthemum Tea in Chinese Tradition
The chrysanthemum tea is believed to have been originated in China during the reign of Song dynasty (960 – 1270 A.D). In ancient Chinese history, chrysanthemums were one of the four highly esteemed plants cultivated exclusively by the nobility. As a herb, it is believed to have the power of life. The Shen Nong’s Canon of Materia Medica compiled before the Christian era rated it as a superior herb the use of which prolongs life. Chrysanthemum flowers are widely used in Chinese cuisine. The liquor made out of chrysanthemums is also very popular.
Chrysanthemum tea is had in China during the summers for its cooling effects. According to traditional Chinese beliefs, this beverage balances internal heat. It is one among the other herbal teas that are usually consumed in China like Oolong tea, or green tea. It is the only tea that is sweetened and sipped. Rock sugar and cane sugar are added to sweeten the tea. Sometimes wolfberries or Goji berries are added to enhance the taste.
Read More: Health Benefits of Barley Water
What Are Its Health Benefits
This herbal tea not only tastes and smells good, but it also has several health benefits. This tea fights respiratory problems, high blood pressure, and hyperthyroidism. It also helps in reducing inflammation. It soothes nerves and in the early stages of cold and fever, can also help reduce it. Here’s how chrysanthemum tea will benefit you
- It acts as a relaxant and soothes your nerves. A cup of this tea after a long day will help you feel refreshed.
- This tea helps in lowering blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure it improves the heart’s health. The Potassium found in the flowers lowers your blood pressure.
- The tea helps in cooling your body.
- It helps in reducing skin irritation, redness, and chronic skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis.
- The Vitamin A present in this plant acts as an antioxidant and eliminates oxidative stress.
- It also heals damaged cells in organ system in the body. It also slows down the effects of aging on the skin.
- The presence of Vitamin A and Vitamin C boosts the immunity system.
- It heals congestion, redness, and itchiness of the eyes, sore throats, and even headaches.
- The mineral content in chrysanthemum tea improves bone health and prevents osteoporosis.
- Metabolism is stimulated.
- It’s caffeine-free.
With such a lengthy list of health benefits, you are considering trying this tea, aren’t you? Let me tell you how you could make this refreshing drink for yourself.
Also Read: Is coffee healthy for you?
How to Make Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum tea is easy to make. You’ll only need dried chrysanthemum flowers and hot water. Use dried Chrysanthemum flowers for the tea. You can buy the flowers or its herbal tea mix in any Asian market or supermarkets that sell exotic foods. You can also grow chrysanthemums in your pot and dry their flowers by putting them out in the sun and letting them dry naturally or by using a dehumidifier to dry them. To make the tea
- Boil water till its 90 to 100 degrees
- According to the requirement, add 4 to 5 dried chrysanthemum flowers per cup
- Let it brew for 2 to 4 minutes. The more time you brew, the stronger its flavor and scent will be.
- Add rock sugar or cane sugar to the infusion. You could also serve it separately so that the person could sweeten the tea according to their taste.
- You can also add honey for sweetening the tea.
- Rinse the teapot or cup with hot water to warm it.
- You can also add Goji berries or American Ginseng to enhance the flavor.
Close the blinds, dim the lights, put your feet up on the couch and sip on some sweetened chrysanthemum tea, as you feel the day’s stress go away. Thank me later.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of This Tea
Too much of good is bad, right? Let’s have a look at the possible side effects of having this tea
- If you are allergic to daisies and seaweed, there might be chances of you being allergic to Chrysanthemums too.
- Chrysanthemum tea can cause allergic reactions in some people. If there’s respiratory itchiness or itching of eyes and skin, you should stop having this tea.
- People who suffer from diabetes should not have this tea. The composition of the tea will affect your insulin.
- If you are under medication, you should consult with your doctor first before consuming this tea. It might affect your prescribed medicines.
- Make sure that the tea you are having is organic. Presence of pesticides and harsh chemicals is not good for your health.
FAQs
Ques: Can I eat chrysanthemums?
Answer: The chrysanthemum flowers are edible but the flavor of the other plants may vary. The taste may range from sweet to tangy to bitter to peppery. It may take some experimentation to find the flavor you like.
Ques: Does it contain caffeine?
Answer: Chrysanthemum tea does not contain caffeine. Many people have the belief that all teas contain caffeine but only teas made from Camellia Sinensis contain caffeine. Chrysanthemum tea like chamomile tea is caffeine-free. It contains caffeine only when it is mixed with other caffeine-containing ingredients or other tea leaves.
Ques: Is chrysanthemum tea harmful during pregnancy?
Answer: Chrysanthemum tea is a cooling drink. However, during pregnancy, the body temperature is a little higher to protect the baby. Too much of the tea can cause an imbalance in the body temperature. A better alternative is to drink ginger-based herbal teas that keep the body warm.
Ques: Does it contain preservatives?
Answer: The tea blend for chrysanthemum tea may contain preservatives. Chrysanthemum based processed products have preservatives.
Ques: How to store chrysanthemum flowers?
Answer: Store chrysanthemum flowers in air-tight jars to preserve their taste. Airtight jars have a lid with a silicone rubber finish to keep the air away. Use dry flowers to enjoy Chrysanthemum tea for many days.
Ques: Does this tea affect sleep?
Answer: Chrysanthemum tea acts as a stress reliever. It also acts as a sedative. The combined effects of cooling and calming the nerves might help you in sleeping.
Conclusion
Chrysanthemum tea is high in nutrients. You should switch from regular beverages like tea, coffee or aerated drinks that contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine to this healthy tea. The tea is a natural stress reliever. In this fast-paced life, you want something that calms you. Unless you have an allergy to chrysanthemums or you are a patient of diabetes or you’re pregnant, chrysanthemum will be good for you. Unlike other teas that go through many industrialized processes, you can grow this tea in your garden and you could be sure about its quality. The molten sunshine beverage is economical as well as healthy. Do follow for more details @ familyliving.guide.
