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Herbal & Flower Teas

Dendrobium Flower and Chrysanthemum Tea

traditionally used to nourish liver Yin, support eye comfort, and ease emotional tension

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
5 min
Cook
5 min
Total
10 min
Makes
1 pot
Liver WellnessSleep & CalmEye WellnessEveryday Balance
Dendrobium Flower and Chrysanthemum Tea

Why people make this tea

Dendrobium flowers (shi hu hua) from iron-bark dendrobium (tie pi shi hu) are a relatively recent addition to the traditional herbal tea repertoire — the plant has long been used in Chinese medicine for its stem, but the flowers carry a similar and somewhat gentler quality with a beautiful fragrance. Available at specialist herb and tea shops and Asian grocers, they are worth seeking out. According to traditional understanding, they support the liver and stomach systems, benefit the eyes, ease emotional tension, and have a generally nourishing effect on Yin fluids — meaning they are considered particularly suited to people who feel run-down, dry-eyed, or emotionally depleted.

Paired with chrysanthemum — one of the most trusted herbs in Chinese eye-care tradition — this tea becomes something lovely: fragrant, clear in colour, easy to drink, and genuinely appropriate for anyone who spends a lot of time at a computer or under artificial lighting.

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Frequently asked questions

What is this tea traditionally used for?

This tea is traditionally used to nourish liver Yin, support eye comfort, and ease emotional tension. It is considered particularly suited to people who feel run-down, dry-eyed, or emotionally depleted, and is commonly associated with those who spend long hours at a screen or under artificial lighting.

How long does it take to prepare, and can I re-steep it?

The tea takes about 10 minutes total — 5 minutes prep and 5 minutes steeping. The flowers can be re-steeped with fresh boiling water throughout the day until the flavour fades, so one pot goes a long way.

Which variety of chrysanthemum should I use?

Any variety works: hangzhou chrysanthemum (hang ju), tribute chrysanthemum (gong ju), and bud chrysanthemum (tai ju) are all suitable. Tai ju is the smallest variety — it blooms beautifully when steeped and has a lovely golden colour.

Should I drink this tea every day?

The recipe advises drinking this tea 3 to 4 times per week rather than daily if you run cold.

Can I eat the dendrobium flowers after steeping?

Yes. After steeping, the dendrobium flowers become pleasantly crisp and can be eaten as a snack. The recipe also suggests using leftover steeped flowers in scrambled eggs.

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