Herbal & Flower Teas
Chrysanthemum Licorice Green Tea
Traditionally used to clear heat and support the immune system during cold and flu season
Why people make this tea
During the Lunar New Year season, when visiting family and friends is at its peak, staying well takes a bit of extra effort. Bro Niu likes to recommend this refreshing three-ingredient tea for people with a slightly warmer constitution — those who tend to feel warm, have a red tongue, or get thirsty easily. Chrysanthemum has long been treasured in Chinese food therapy for its ability to gently release surface heat and support clear, bright eyes. Licorice harmonizes the other ingredients and offers mild soothing qualities, while green tea rounds out the blend with its well-studied antioxidant properties. The result is an elegant, lightly fragrant infusion you can brew and re-brew multiple times.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited to those with a warmer constitution, especially during cold-weather flu season
- Those with a cold or weak stomach should not drink large amounts — it may upset digestion
- Not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chrysanthemum (ju hua): Traditionally classified as lightly cool; used to clear heat from the head and eyes, relieve surface wind-heat, and brighten the eyes
- Licorice root (gan cao): A classic harmonizing herb; gently soothes the throat, mediates the other ingredients, and adds mild sweetness
- Green tea (lu cha): Rich in catechins and antioxidants; traditionally considered to clear heat; pairs well with cooling herbs
Ingredients (1 pot / 1–2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chrysanthemum flowers | 3 qian (~9 g) | Any quality dried chrysanthemum |
| Licorice root slices | 1 qian (~3 g) | Available at Chinese herb shops |
| Green tea leaves | 1 tablespoon | Any green tea (supermarket tea bags work fine) |
Method
- Place all ingredients in a teapot.
- First rinse with a splash of boiling water, then discard this first rinse.
- Pour in fresh boiling water and steep for 5 minutes.
- Pour and enjoy while fragrant and warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is light and pleasant-tasting. Supermarket green tea bags are perfectly fine to use, and the tea is suitable for older children as long as it is not taken every single day. If your stomach tends to be cold or sensitive, limit how much you drink. Avoid in the first trimester of pregnancy. You can re-steep the same herbs two to three times over the course of the day.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (anonymous reader): Can the green tea in this recipe be a supermarket green tea bag? And is it okay for children? Bro Niu: Yes, supermarket green tea bags are fine. Children can drink it too — as long as it is not consumed every day, there is no concern.
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Q (Nana): My throat has been dry and scratchy since yesterday, a little itchy today, almost like a mild sensitivity. What can I drink? Bro Niu: You can simmer some fresh mint leaves in two and a half cups of water for about 10 minutes and drink it — it helps to soothe and clear the throat. A little honey can be added.
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Q (娟): I have a cold constitution. What should I drink to help prevent colds when so many people around me are getting sick? Bro Niu: For a cold constitution, garlic and ginger cooked with brown sugar in water is a good choice — it helps to warm and guard against colds.
Published February 4, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
