You might know chrysanthemums, or mums, as a many-petalled flower found all over the world in garden beds and flower pots. Chrysanthemum blooms range from palest yellow to bright red, with a few varieties in green and purple. Depicted for centuries in art, they’re not just pretty to look at. Chrysanthemum tea are also edible and have been used for medicinal purposes for many years.
Chinese medicine categorizes herbs based on energetic properties rather than the chemical ingredients. Chrysanthemum provides mildly cold energy.
Chrysanthemum has been used for hundreds of years in Chinese medicine. People use it to treat respiratory problems, high blood pressure, and hyperthyroidism. Fans of the flower also say it can reduce inflammation and calm your nerves.
Dr. J. D. Yang is an expert in Chinese and integrative medicine and founder of Tao Integrative. “Chinese medicine categorizes herbs based on energetic properties rather than the chemical ingredients,” he says. “Chrysanthemum provides mildly cold energy. It has special affinity to the energy channels that lead to the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys.”
These uses aren’t supported by contemporary scientific research, but have a lengthy history. Chrysanthemum, or “ju hua,” as it’s known in Chinese, is also recommended for reducing fever and cold symptoms in the early stages.
Chrysanthemum tea is easy to make. If you use chrysanthemum you’ve grown yourself, pluck the flowers and leave them to dry for several days in a sunny spot, or use a food dehydrator. You can also buy dried chrysanthemum blooms in health food and Asian groceries.
Boil the water and allow it to cool for about a minute to around 100°F. Then use between 3-6 dried flowers to an 8 oz. cup of water. Let it steep for a few minutes, and voila!
If you make chrysanthemum tea, make sure you use only plants that have not been sprayed with pesticides or other garden chemicals. If you’re pregnant or nursing, ask your doctor before drinking chrysanthemum tea.
If you’re looking to get some of this amazing tea you can find it at pretty much any good tea retail shop. Alternatively you can also find it over at JK Tea Shop for a reasonable price.
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