Herbal & Flower Teas
Chrysanthemum Lotus-Plumule Tea (ju hua lian zi xin cha)
Traditionally calms liver-heat and clears heart-fire
Why people make this tea
Bro Niu often brews a simple chrysanthemum tea, which traditionally clears liver-heat, brightens the eyes and supports healthy blood pressure. Here he adds lotus plumule — the little green heart of the lotus seed. It’s a touch bitter, but traditionally it clears heart-fire, settles restlessness and calms the mind, and is associated with easing palpitations and poor sleep that come with high blood pressure. Together they make a clean, cooling cup that’s a gentle ally for those minding their pressure and heart.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people with liver-heat or heart-fire signs: restlessness, poor sleep, a bitter or dry mouth, irritability; a supportive cup for those with high blood pressure or heart concerns.
- Not for pregnancy. Not for those with a cold, weak spleen and stomach, or with deficiency-type high blood pressure.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chrysanthemum (ju hua): traditionally clears liver-heat and brightens the eyes.
- Lotus plumule (lian zi xin): traditionally clears heart-fire, eases restlessness and calms the mind.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh lotus plumule | 2 qian (~7.5 g) | or 1 qian (~3.75 g) dried |
| Chrysanthemum flowers | 2 qian (~7.5 g) |
Method
- Put the lotus plumule and chrysanthemum in a pot and rinse once with boiling water.
- Pour over fresh boiling water and steep, covered, about 5 minutes. Sip; you can re-steep until light.
Bro Niu’s tips
When fresh lotus seeds are in season, pull out the plumules and freeze them in small portions for later use. Dried lotus plumule is available at Chinese herb shops. This tea also suits those with restlessness, poor sleep, a bitter and dry mouth, or irritability — but it is not for a cold, weak spleen and stomach, or for deficiency-type high blood pressure.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Yen): Is this suitable for someone with yin-deficiency and rising fire? Or could I leave out the lotus plumule and use chrysanthemum with goji? Bro Niu: You can leave out the lotus plumule and brew chrysanthemum with goji instead.
- Q (reader): Can I drink lotus-plumule tea after my period? Bro Niu: Yes, you can take lotus-plumule tea after your period.
- Q (CARMEN): I’m 4 months pregnant — can I drink this tea? Bro Niu: Although chrysanthemum itself is fine for pregnancy, most floral teas are not suitable for pregnant women, so it’s best not to. This tea is also quite cooling and not suitable for you.
Published July 18, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
