Dandelion Root and Yellow Chrysanthemum Tea

Why people make this tea

Dandelion is far more than a garden weed. Research into dandelion root — and Bro Niu has kept a close eye on it for years — suggests it has broad antimicrobial activity, including against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori that is responsible for most stomach and duodenal ulcers. The processed, tea-cut dandelion root sold in specialist herb shops has a surprisingly clean, mildly earthy aroma — very approachable for everyday steeping. Paired with Hangzhou yellow chrysanthemum, which helps disperse stagnant liver qi and reduce swelling in traditional Chinese terms, this is one of the more practical daily teas for anyone prone to digestive discomfort, bloating, or chronic gastric irritation.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for adults with gastric or duodenal discomfort, constipation, eye redness, or liver-stomach qi stagnation
• Dandelion is cooling in nature; those with a cold constitution or loose stools should use sparingly — add a piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) or Buddha’s hand (fo shou) to warm and moderate the tea
• Not recommended in large quantities during pregnancy without medical advice

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Dandelion root (pu gong ying gen): Contains inulin and taraxacin; traditionally described as a “plant antibiotic” — associated in classical texts with clearing heat-toxin, reducing swelling, and supporting intestinal motility. Research has examined its inhibitory effects against several pathogenic bacteria
• Yellow chrysanthemum, Hangzhou (hang ju): Classically used to disperse liver qi, reduce inflammation in the eyes, and soften the bitterness of other herbs; adds a floral brightness to the tea that makes it pleasant to sip throughout the day

Ingredients (1 pot)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dandelion root, tea-cut (pu gong ying gen)	2 tablespoons	Speciality herb shops carry the processed, fragrant tea-cut version; otherwise use raw dandelion root and simmer 20 min
Hangzhou yellow chrysanthemum (hang ju)	1 tablespoon	Plain white or Hangzhou white chrysanthemum also works

Method

1. Place both ingredients in a teapot or infuser.
2. Pour a small amount of just-boiled water over them, swirl briefly, and discard this first rinse.
3. Pour in fresh just-boiled water to fill the pot.
4. Steep for 10 minutes.
5. Pour and drink. The pot can be re-steeped multiple times until the flavour becomes pale.

Bro Niu’s tips

If you cannot find the processed tea-cut dandelion root at specialty stores, regular dandelion (whole herb) works too — rinse it well and simmer in water for 20 minutes, then drink. To reduce the cooling nature of dandelion, simply add a few slices of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) or dried Buddha’s hand (fo shou) to the pot; this also adds a pleasant citrus note and supports liver qi. If yellow chrysanthemum is not available, plain white Hangzhou chrysanthemum is a fine substitute.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Namnam): If I use fresh dandelion from my own garden, how much should I use? Bro Niu: Fresh dandelion from your own garden is fine — just be certain no pesticides have been used. The whole fresh plant can be used: about 37 g (1 liang). If you are concerned about the cooling nature, you can add some dried tangerine peel and Buddha’s hand slices — these gently warm and soothe the liver at the same time.

• Q (Namnam, follow-up): I grow them in my garden. If I have a cold constitution, what can I add to balance the cooling nature and still get the liver-clearing benefit? Bro Niu: Add some dried citrus peel (ju bing — preserved tangerine cake) or Buddha’s hand slices; this reduces the cold nature and adds a liver-soothing, qi-moving quality.

• Q (Jessica): My husband has hepatitis B with borderline liver readings. What soups or teas would help? Bro Niu: Loach fish soup is very beneficial for liver conditions — cook it with winter melon, snow fungus, and ginger. For daily tea, schisandra berry (wu wei zi) tea can help lower liver enzymes; drink one packet a day. Avoid anything very tonifying to keep the liver’s workload light.

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Published November 28, 2021 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.