Chrysanthemum Flowers for Herbal Tea
CHRYSANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum morifolium or C. indicum)
HISTORY AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
Chrysanthemum has been used for over 2,000 years in Chinese herbalism. Known as jú huā (菊花), it is prized for its cooling energy. It is used to clear internal heat, soothe the liver, relieve headaches, brighten the eyes, and reduce fevers. It’s often prescribed for symptoms such as red or dry eyes, eye strain from overwork or screens, irritability, dizziness, and mild high blood pressure.
Japan:
Highly symbolic in Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is associated with longevity, renewal, and purity. The flower is honored in the annual Chrysanthemum Festival (Chōyō), and the Imperial Family uses it as a symbol of the throne.
Europe:
Though traditionally ornamental in the West, some folk herbalists used chrysanthemum as a febrifuge (fever reducer) or mild calming herb. It was primarily known for its decorative and symbolic value.
HERBAL BENEFITS
1. Clears Heat and Reduces Fever
Chrysanthemum is considered a “cooling” herb in TCM, ideal for treating mild fevers, heat headaches, sore throat, and hot, dry weather conditions.
2. Supports Eye Health
One of its most well-known traditional uses is for the eyes. It’s used for red, irritated, blurry, or tired eyes, particularly when caused by liver imbalance or overexertion. Often paired with goji berries to nourish liver and eye health.
3. Calms the Nervous System
Chrysanthemum can ease irritability, tension, and mild anxiety. It has a calming effect on the mind without being overly sedative.
4. Respiratory Support
It soothes the lungs, especially when there is dry cough or heat-related respiratory discomfort. It's a gentle herb often included in seasonal or allergy blends.
5. Cardiovascular and Antioxidant Support
Chrysanthemum contains antioxidants such as apigenin and luteolin, which may support healthy circulation, reduce inflammation, and protect brain and heart tissue. Some studies have shown potential mild antihypertensive effects.
BASIC CHRYSANTHEMUM TEA RECIPE
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon dried chrysanthemum flowers (usually yellow or white)
1.5 to 2 cups hot water (not boiling, around 190–200°F)
Optional additions: goji berries, licorice root, honey, mint, lemon balm
Instructions:
Gently rinse the dried flowers if dusty.
Place in a teapot or cup.
Pour hot water over the flowers.
Steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain and serve.
You can re-steep the same flowers 2 to 3 times.
TEA BLEND SUGGESTIONS
Bright Eyes Blend
Supports vision, relieves tired eyes, and soothes liver tension.
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum flowers
1 teaspoon goji berries
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
Lung and Mind Calm Tea
For dry throat, nervous tension, or respiratory irritation.
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum flowers
1 teaspoon licorice root
1/2 teaspoon lemon balm
1/4 teaspoon dried lavender (optional)
Allergy Relief Blend
Useful during seasonal transitions with sinus pressure and heat.
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum flowers
1 teaspoon nettle leaf
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
1/2 teaspoon eyebright (optional)
ENERGETICS (Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective)
Thermal nature: Cooling
Flavor: Slightly sweet, mildly bitter
Organs affected: Liver, Lungs
Indications: Liver heat, eye strain, red eyes, headaches, hot or dry conditions, wind-heat cold symptoms
NIGHTTIME TONIC TEA
This is a calming evening blend especially helpful for overworked eyes and tension.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum
1 teaspoon goji berries
1 teaspoon lemon balm
Honey to taste
Steep in hot water for 5–7 minutes and sip slowly in a quiet space. Ideal before bed or after screen-heavy days.
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
Generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation.
Avoid if allergic to members of the Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies, etc.).
Avoid long-term use in those with cold constitutions or yang deficiency (may worsen feelings of coldness, fatigue, or loose stools).
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider.
CHRYSANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum morifolium or C. indicum)
HISTORY AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
Chrysanthemum has been used for over 2,000 years in Chinese herbalism. Known as jú huā (菊花), it is prized for its cooling energy. It is used to clear internal heat, soothe the liver, relieve headaches, brighten the eyes, and reduce fevers. It’s often prescribed for symptoms such as red or dry eyes, eye strain from overwork or screens, irritability, dizziness, and mild high blood pressure.
Japan:
Highly symbolic in Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is associated with longevity, renewal, and purity. The flower is honored in the annual Chrysanthemum Festival (Chōyō), and the Imperial Family uses it as a symbol of the throne.
Europe:
Though traditionally ornamental in the West, some folk herbalists used chrysanthemum as a febrifuge (fever reducer) or mild calming herb. It was primarily known for its decorative and symbolic value.
HERBAL BENEFITS
1. Clears Heat and Reduces Fever
Chrysanthemum is considered a “cooling” herb in TCM, ideal for treating mild fevers, heat headaches, sore throat, and hot, dry weather conditions.
2. Supports Eye Health
One of its most well-known traditional uses is for the eyes. It’s used for red, irritated, blurry, or tired eyes, particularly when caused by liver imbalance or overexertion. Often paired with goji berries to nourish liver and eye health.
3. Calms the Nervous System
Chrysanthemum can ease irritability, tension, and mild anxiety. It has a calming effect on the mind without being overly sedative.
4. Respiratory Support
It soothes the lungs, especially when there is dry cough or heat-related respiratory discomfort. It's a gentle herb often included in seasonal or allergy blends.
5. Cardiovascular and Antioxidant Support
Chrysanthemum contains antioxidants such as apigenin and luteolin, which may support healthy circulation, reduce inflammation, and protect brain and heart tissue. Some studies have shown potential mild antihypertensive effects.
BASIC CHRYSANTHEMUM TEA RECIPE
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon dried chrysanthemum flowers (usually yellow or white)
1.5 to 2 cups hot water (not boiling, around 190–200°F)
Optional additions: goji berries, licorice root, honey, mint, lemon balm
Instructions:
Gently rinse the dried flowers if dusty.
Place in a teapot or cup.
Pour hot water over the flowers.
Steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain and serve.
You can re-steep the same flowers 2 to 3 times.
TEA BLEND SUGGESTIONS
Bright Eyes Blend
Supports vision, relieves tired eyes, and soothes liver tension.
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum flowers
1 teaspoon goji berries
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
Lung and Mind Calm Tea
For dry throat, nervous tension, or respiratory irritation.
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum flowers
1 teaspoon licorice root
1/2 teaspoon lemon balm
1/4 teaspoon dried lavender (optional)
Allergy Relief Blend
Useful during seasonal transitions with sinus pressure and heat.
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum flowers
1 teaspoon nettle leaf
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
1/2 teaspoon eyebright (optional)
ENERGETICS (Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective)
Thermal nature: Cooling
Flavor: Slightly sweet, mildly bitter
Organs affected: Liver, Lungs
Indications: Liver heat, eye strain, red eyes, headaches, hot or dry conditions, wind-heat cold symptoms
NIGHTTIME TONIC TEA
This is a calming evening blend especially helpful for overworked eyes and tension.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum
1 teaspoon goji berries
1 teaspoon lemon balm
Honey to taste
Steep in hot water for 5–7 minutes and sip slowly in a quiet space. Ideal before bed or after screen-heavy days.
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
Generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation.
Avoid if allergic to members of the Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies, etc.).
Avoid long-term use in those with cold constitutions or yang deficiency (may worsen feelings of coldness, fatigue, or loose stools).
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider.
CHRYSANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum morifolium or C. indicum)
HISTORY AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
Chrysanthemum has been used for over 2,000 years in Chinese herbalism. Known as jú huā (菊花), it is prized for its cooling energy. It is used to clear internal heat, soothe the liver, relieve headaches, brighten the eyes, and reduce fevers. It’s often prescribed for symptoms such as red or dry eyes, eye strain from overwork or screens, irritability, dizziness, and mild high blood pressure.
Japan:
Highly symbolic in Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is associated with longevity, renewal, and purity. The flower is honored in the annual Chrysanthemum Festival (Chōyō), and the Imperial Family uses it as a symbol of the throne.
Europe:
Though traditionally ornamental in the West, some folk herbalists used chrysanthemum as a febrifuge (fever reducer) or mild calming herb. It was primarily known for its decorative and symbolic value.
HERBAL BENEFITS
1. Clears Heat and Reduces Fever
Chrysanthemum is considered a “cooling” herb in TCM, ideal for treating mild fevers, heat headaches, sore throat, and hot, dry weather conditions.
2. Supports Eye Health
One of its most well-known traditional uses is for the eyes. It’s used for red, irritated, blurry, or tired eyes, particularly when caused by liver imbalance or overexertion. Often paired with goji berries to nourish liver and eye health.
3. Calms the Nervous System
Chrysanthemum can ease irritability, tension, and mild anxiety. It has a calming effect on the mind without being overly sedative.
4. Respiratory Support
It soothes the lungs, especially when there is dry cough or heat-related respiratory discomfort. It's a gentle herb often included in seasonal or allergy blends.
5. Cardiovascular and Antioxidant Support
Chrysanthemum contains antioxidants such as apigenin and luteolin, which may support healthy circulation, reduce inflammation, and protect brain and heart tissue. Some studies have shown potential mild antihypertensive effects.
BASIC CHRYSANTHEMUM TEA RECIPE
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon dried chrysanthemum flowers (usually yellow or white)
1.5 to 2 cups hot water (not boiling, around 190–200°F)
Optional additions: goji berries, licorice root, honey, mint, lemon balm
Instructions:
Gently rinse the dried flowers if dusty.
Place in a teapot or cup.
Pour hot water over the flowers.
Steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain and serve.
You can re-steep the same flowers 2 to 3 times.
TEA BLEND SUGGESTIONS
Bright Eyes Blend
Supports vision, relieves tired eyes, and soothes liver tension.
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum flowers
1 teaspoon goji berries
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
Lung and Mind Calm Tea
For dry throat, nervous tension, or respiratory irritation.
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum flowers
1 teaspoon licorice root
1/2 teaspoon lemon balm
1/4 teaspoon dried lavender (optional)
Allergy Relief Blend
Useful during seasonal transitions with sinus pressure and heat.
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum flowers
1 teaspoon nettle leaf
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
1/2 teaspoon eyebright (optional)
ENERGETICS (Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective)
Thermal nature: Cooling
Flavor: Slightly sweet, mildly bitter
Organs affected: Liver, Lungs
Indications: Liver heat, eye strain, red eyes, headaches, hot or dry conditions, wind-heat cold symptoms
NIGHTTIME TONIC TEA
This is a calming evening blend especially helpful for overworked eyes and tension.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon chrysanthemum
1 teaspoon goji berries
1 teaspoon lemon balm
Honey to taste
Steep in hot water for 5–7 minutes and sip slowly in a quiet space. Ideal before bed or after screen-heavy days.
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
Generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation.
Avoid if allergic to members of the Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies, etc.).
Avoid long-term use in those with cold constitutions or yang deficiency (may worsen feelings of coldness, fatigue, or loose stools).
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider.