Herbal & Flower Teas
Chrysanthemum, Pu-erh and Golden Luo Han Guo Tea
Traditionally associated with supporting liver health, reducing fat accumulation, and lowering blood pressure
Why people make this tea
Roughly 10–20% of adults in Hong Kong have some degree of fatty liver — a surprisingly common condition, and one that does not always announce itself clearly. Many people feel nothing more than mild fatigue, a vague discomfort in the abdomen, or a gradual loss of appetite. The encouraging news is that fatty liver is highly responsive to lifestyle changes: a balanced diet, regular movement, and a consistent sleep schedule can meaningfully improve the condition, and in some cases reverse it. For those looking for a simple daily practice to complement these efforts, Bro Niu recommends this tea.
The combination of chrysanthemum, pu-erh, and golden luo han guo has a pleasant, mellow character — not medicinal-tasting at all — and is traditionally associated with supporting the liver’s function, reducing fat in the system, and moderating blood pressure. It is the kind of tea you can genuinely look forward to drinking every day.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most adults, including those with fatty liver, high blood lipids, high blood pressure, or a tendency toward weight gain
- Diabetics can drink freely — golden luo han guo is roughly 300 times sweeter than sugar by weight but has a negligible effect on blood glucose
- Safe for regular, long-term daily use
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chrysanthemum (ju hua): Classically used to clear heat from the liver, support eye health, and gently lower blood pressure; the “tai ju” bud variety, Hangzhou white, and plain white chrysanthemum are all suitable
- Pu-erh tea (pu er cha): A fermented aged tea associated in Chinese dietary tradition with supporting fat metabolism, aiding digestion, and gently lowering blood lipids; its deep, earthy character provides body to the blend
- Golden luo han guo (jin luo han guo): A monk fruit variety known for its intense natural sweetness; classically associated with clearing lung heat and soothing the throat; its mogrosides are intensely sweet but do not raise blood sugar — making it a useful sweetening ingredient in health teas for those monitoring glucose
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chrysanthemum flowers (ju hua) | 1 tablespoon | Tai ju bud, Hangzhou chrysanthemum, or white chrysanthemum — all work equally well |
| Pu-erh tea (pu er cha) | 1 tablespoon | Any loose-leaf or compressed pu-erh; substitute with your preferred tea if desired |
| Golden luo han guo (jin luo han guo) | 1/4 fruit | Break or crush into pieces before adding |
Method
- Place all three ingredients into a teapot or infuser.
- Pour a small amount of just-boiled water over them; swirl briefly and discard this first rinse.
- Pour fresh just-boiled water to fill the pot.
- Steep for 6–8 minutes.
- Pour and enjoy. The pot can be re-steeped multiple times until the flavour becomes faint.
Bro Niu’s tips
The photograph shows tai ju (chrysanthemum bud variety), but Hangzhou chrysanthemum and standard white chrysanthemum are equally effective — use whichever is easiest to source. If you prefer a different tea base, oolong or tie guan yin work well as pu-erh substitutes and pair nicely with chrysanthemum. This tea also pairs well with a small piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi), which adds a pleasant citrus note and supports digestion. Golden luo han guo, despite being intensely sweet, is safe for diabetics and does not spike blood sugar.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): Can chen pi (dried tangerine peel) be added to this tea? Bro Niu: Yes, adding chen pi is a nice addition — it helps strengthen the spleen, move qi, and reduce phlegm.
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Q (Kay): Can pu-erh be replaced with another tea like tie guan yin? Bro Niu: Yes, use whichever tea you enjoy. Tie guan yin is a good choice.
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Q (liang sheng): I work overnight shifts regularly and have developed mild-to-moderate fatty liver with a paunch. I also have H. pylori, currently being treated with Western medicine. What food therapy would help both conditions? Bro Niu: Dandelion root tea is a good daily choice — it has been associated with inhibiting H. pylori and is also beneficial for fatty liver. Look for the processed, fragrant tea-cut dandelion root at specialty herb shops (the Sai Ying Pun area in Hong Kong has good sources). Steep 1 tablespoon in hot water and re-steep until pale. You can blend it with your preferred tea as well.
Published December 18, 2021 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
