Chrysanthemum, Pu-erh and Golden Luo Han Guo Tea

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, Nourilo 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.

Method

1. Place all three ingredients into a teapot or infuser.
2. Pour a small amount of just-boiled water over them; swirl briefly and discard this first rinse.
3. Pour fresh just-boiled water to fill the pot.
4. Steep for 6–8 minutes.
5. Pour and enjoy. The pot can be re-steeped multiple times until the flavour becomes faint.

Nourilo’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.