Apple Blossom Rose Honey Tea

Why people make this tea

Summer sunshine in Hong Kong is intense, and Bro Niu’s approach to sun care goes beyond sunscreen: he likes to brew a gentle floral tea that traditional food therapy associates with helping the skin cope from the inside. Apple blossom and rose petals are both widely available in specialist herb-and-flower tea shops. Together they brew into a beautifully fragrant cup — and the drizzle of honey makes it feel like a small, restorative luxury.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Women who frequently experience menstrual cramping may find regular cups of this tea especially pleasant, as rose is traditionally used to support smooth qi circulation and relieve mild period discomfort.
• Suitable for most adults; can be drunk during menstruation.
• Pregnant women should avoid this and most herbal flower teas, as some flowers can affect circulation and hormonal balance.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Apple blossom (ping guo hua): Traditionally associated with nourishing the lungs, brightening the complexion, reducing blemishes, and gently clearing dark spots. Also considered mildly sobering and refreshing for the eyes.
• Rose petals (mei gui hua): One of the most beloved herbs in Chinese floral food therapy. Traditionally associated with soothing liver qi stagnation, supporting digestion, easing menstrual irregularity and cramping, and helping fade liver spots or hormonally driven pigmentation.
• Honey: Moistening and soothing; complements the floral flavour and adds natural sweetness.

Ingredients (1 teapot / about 2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried apple blossoms	2 teaspoons	Available at specialty herb-tea shops and some online retailers
Dried rose petals	1 tablespoon	French roses, red roses, or gold-edged roses all work well
Raw honey	To taste	Add after steeping so heat does not degrade the honey’s properties

Method

1. Place the apple blossoms and rose petals in a teapot or heatproof jug.
2. Pour a small splash of boiling water over the flowers, swirl gently, and discard — this is a quick rinse.
3. Pour in fresh boiling water (about 400 ml / 1.5 cups), cover, and steep for 7 minutes.
4. Pour into cups and stir in honey to taste. The flowers can be re-steeped once or twice more.

Bro Niu’s tips

Any variety of dried rose — French rose, red rose, or gold-edged rose — works well here. This tea is also good for supporting liver function and overall digestive comfort. Women who experience regular period pain may benefit from drinking it a few days before and during their cycle (it is safe to drink during menstruation). Remember: pregnant women should skip herbal flower teas entirely.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Fei Fei): Can I drink this tea during my period? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink this tea during menstruation — it is fine.

• Q (reader): Can any type of rose be used, such as pink or purple roses? Bro Niu: Yes, any variety of rose petal will work for this tea.

• Q (Gloria): Can rose petals be brewed together with golden mulberry leaf tea? Bro Niu: Yes, combining rose petals with golden mulberry leaf tea is perfectly fine.

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Published May 16, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.