Feeling a little “heaty” or dealing with stubborn maskne and tired eyes? Before you grab just any brew, you should know that not all chrysanthemum teas are created equal. Whether you need to clear your liver or kick a scratchy sore throat to the curb, this guide breaks down which flower fits your vibe, and which ones to avoid if you’re expecting!
Why Drink Chrysanthemum Tea?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chrysanthemum tea (juhua) is a cooling, caffeine-free herbal tea used to clear “heat” (inflammation/fever), detoxify the body, and soothe the liver. It is widely used to treat headaches, sore throats, and dry, strained eyes, particularly from long screen time, as it is believed to brighten eyesight and support liver health.
Highly recommended when your body is feeling “heaty” (上火). It is the perfect natural go-to when you start experiencing symptoms such as:
- An oncoming sore throat
- Uncomfortable dry mouth
- Sudden acne outbreaks
- Tired, sore, or strained eyes
Not All Chrysanthemums Are the Same
While all chrysanthemum flowers generally help expel wind-heat, clear internal heat, and brighten your vision, different varieties are actually tailored for specific functions. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the different types of chrysanthemum flowers at the market, you aren’t alone!
Keep reading as we break down exactly what types of chrysanthemum flowers are out there and which brew is best for your specific symptoms.
Different Types of Chrysanthemums
White Chrysanthemum (白菊花, Bai Ju Hua)
Recognizable by its pale yellow petals, the White Chrysanthemum is your best friend after a long day staring at a screen.
Key TCM Benefits:
- Clears the Liver & Brightens Vision (清肝明目): In traditional Chinese medicine, liver health is closely tied to eye health.
- Relieves Digital Eye Strain: Because of its liver-clearing properties, this flower is highly recommended for office workers or anyone who works long hours and suffers from dry, tired, or sore eyes.
White Chrysanthemum & Wolfberry Tea Recipe
To maximize the vision-boosting benefits, try pairing white chrysanthemum with wolfberries (also known as goji berries).
Ingredients:
- 10g White Chrysanthemum Flowers (白菊花, Bai Ju Hua)
- 8g Wolfberries (枸杞, Gou Qi)
Brewing Instructions:
- Place both ingredients into a cup or teapot.
- Pour boiling water over the herbs.
- Let the tea steep for 10 minutes before consuming.
- Recommended Frequency: This tea is suitable to drink once every two to three days.
Yellow Chrysanthemum (黄菊花, Huang Ju Hua)
As the name suggests, this variety features distinctly yellow flowers. While white chrysanthemum is great for the eyes, the yellow variety is your go-to when you feel a cold coming on.
Key TCM Benefits:
- Dispels Wind-Heat: This flower is highly effective for individuals suffering from a “Wind-Heat” type of cold.
- Relieves Flu Symptoms: It is an excellent natural remedy to help combat uncomfortable symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and headaches.
Yellow Chrysanthemum & Honeysuckle Cold-Relief Tea
For a powerful brew to fight off wind-heat symptoms, pair yellow chrysanthemum with other heat-clearing herbs.
Ingredients:
- 8g Yellow Chrysanthemum flowers (黄菊花, Huang Ju Hua)
- 6g Japanese Honeysuckle (金银花, Jin Yin Hua)
- 6g Malva Nut (胖大海, Pang Da Hai)
- 3g Mint (薄荷, Bo He)
- 2-3 pieces Licorice (甘草, Gan Cao)
Brewing Instructions:
- Soak the Malva Nuts in hot water until they have expanded fully.
- Remove the seeds and the outer layer of the Malva Nuts.
- Add all the ingredients into a cup and pour boiling water over them.
- Let the tea steep for 10 to 15 minutes before consumption.
Important Health Warnings:
- Not for long-term use: This tea is specifically formulated to relieve symptoms of a Wind-Heat flu and should only be taken when necessary.
- Watch your digestion: Because this blend is highly cooling in nature, it is not suitable for individuals who feel cold easily or suffer from digestive issues.
- Pregnancy warning: This tea is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women.
Wild Chrysanthemum (野菊花, Ye Ju Hua)
Recognizable by its smaller size and dark yellow or brownish hue, the Wild Chrysanthemum packs the biggest punch.
Key TCM Benefits:
- Intense Heat-Clearing (清热解毒): This variety is the most bitter and the most cooling in nature out of all the chrysanthemum flowers. It possesses the absolute strongest heat-clearing and detoxifying functions.
- Targets Severe “Heat” Symptoms: Because of its strength, it is typically utilized when a person is suffering from painful heat-related issues like severe acne outbreaks, mouth ulcers, and swollen sores.
Important Clinical Warnings:
- Professional Use Only: Due to its highly potent and bitter properties, wild chrysanthemum is generally used exclusively by TCM physicians in targeted prescriptions. It is highly advisable not to buy and brew this variety at home for self-medication.
When Should You Drink Chrysanthemum Tea?
As a Preventative Measure
Chrysanthemum tea is highly effective when used proactively.
- After sun exposure: Drink yellow chrysanthemum tea after a long day out in the sun to stop your body from developing a “heaty” constitution.
- After heavy screen time: Drink white chrysanthemum tea after long hours of work to prevent dry eyes and protect your vision.
Recommended Drinking Frequency
Because chrysanthemum flowers are inherently cooling in nature, it is not advisable to drink them in huge quantities for extended periods of time. Stick to one of these two routines:
- Casual Use: Drink it 2 times a week.
- Targeted Use: Drink it every day for 3 to 5 days, and then stop completely until the next time you experience symptoms.
For Symptom Relief, Not as a Cure
If you are dealing with an actual illness like a fever or the flu, drinking chrysanthemum tea will not treat the root cause of the sickness. While it is a fantastic tool to help relieve immediate symptoms like a sore throat, cough, or fever, seeking a proper diagnosis and treatment from a licensed TCM physician is always the most important step.
Who Should Drink Chrysanthemum Tea?
Before brewing a cup, it is highly advisable to know your body constitution. Are you generally “heaty” or “cooling“? (If you aren’t sure, please refer to our guide on understanding your heaty vs. cooling body constitution for more details).
Who It Is For:
- People with a “Heaty” Constitution: Chrysanthemum teas are highly suitable for you. This is especially true if you are currently experiencing heaty symptoms such as a dry mouth and throat, constipation, a flushed red face, or acne.
Who Should Avoid It:
- People with a “Cool” Constitution: Because chrysanthemum flowers are inherently cooling, drinking this tea will not rectify your body’s imbalances and may actually exacerbate your cooling symptoms.
- Those with Weak Digestion: Due to its cooling nature, individuals who have a weak digestive system or a sensitive stomach are advised not to drink chrysanthemum teas.
- Pregnant Women: Expecting mothers should avoid drinking chrysanthemum teas entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! Because it is an herbal infusion (tisane) made entirely from dried flowers rather than traditional tea leaves, chrysanthemum tea is 100% naturally caffeine-free. This makes it an excellent, relaxing beverage choice for the late afternoon or evening that won’t disrupt your sleep cycle.
From a TCM perspective, it is generally advised to limit or completely avoid cooling teas, including chrysanthemum, during your menstrual cycle. Consuming cold-natured foods and beverages during this time can introduce “cold” into the uterus, which may disrupt blood flow and worsen menstrual cramps.
While traditional recipes often use yellow rock sugar for its mild flavor, honey is an excellent alternative with added TCM benefits. Honey is known to help moisten the lungs and soothe the throat, pairing perfectly with the heat-clearing properties of the flowers. Just remember to let your tea cool to a warm temperature before stirring in the honey so you don’t destroy its natural enzymes!
To preserve their medicinal properties, essential oils, and vibrant color, store your dried flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. If you live in a highly humid climate like Singapore, keeping the container in the refrigerator is highly recommended to prevent mold and extend their shelf life.
Like many herbal remedies, chrysanthemum can interact with certain prescription medications. It may enhance the effects of blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, and diabetes medications. If you are currently on daily prescriptions, you should consult your doctor or a licensed TCM physician before making herbal teas a regular part of your wellness routine.
