Herbal & Flower Teas
Honeysuckle Chrysanthemum Green Tea
Traditionally used to help clear summer heat and support the body during flu season
Why people make this tea
When Hong Kong slides into its warm-weather flu season, Bro Niu likes to keep something easy on hand that the whole family can sip. This three-flower tea is about as simple as it gets — you just steep it like any tea. Honeysuckle has long been called the “herbal antibiotic” in traditional kitchens, chrysanthemum is the classic cooling flower for tired eyes, and green tea brings a bright lift. Bro Niu still reminds everyone that the elderly and children should get their flu vaccine; this tea is a gentle daily companion, not a substitute.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Generally healthy adults and families wanting a light, cooling daily tea during hot, sticky flu season.
- Avoid if you tend to feel cold easily or have weak, cold digestion (spleen-stomach yang deficiency).
- Not suitable for anyone with G6PD deficiency (favism).
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Honeysuckle (jin yin hua): Traditionally valued to clear heat, calm inflammation and support the body against seasonal bugs.
- Chrysanthemum (ju hua): Traditionally used to disperse wind-heat and brighten tired eyes.
- Green tea (lü cha): Rich in vitamin C; in folk practice it is associated with refreshing the body and supporting resilience.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honeysuckle flower (jin yin hua) | 1 tbsp | — |
| Chrysanthemum flower (ju hua) | 1 tbsp | Hangzhou, Chu or bud (tai) chrysanthemum all work |
| Green tea (lü cha) | 1 small pinch | Use an unfermented tea like genmaicha or longjing |
Method
- Put the honeysuckle, chrysanthemum and green tea into a teapot.
- Pour in boiling water once to rinse, then discard that water.
- Refill with boiling water, cover, and steep about 5 minutes before drinking.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is fragrant and is also traditionally enjoyed for its light, de-greasing feel. Any unfermented green tea works well. Remember: those with cold, weak digestion and anyone with favism should not drink it.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (reader): I caught the flu and I’m recovering, but I still have a cough, phlegm and an itchy throat. Any tea that can help? Bro Niu: You can steep about 3–4 dark plums (wu mei), 1 tablespoon of chrysanthemum and 4–5 slices of liquorice as a tea, for about 3 servings. It is traditionally used to ease an itchy throat and calm irritation.
- Q (Man): My 8-year-old daughter just recovered from influenza A plus scarlet fever after 14 days of strong medicine and antibiotics. What can help clear the leftover medicine from her body, and then rebuild her energy? Bro Niu: You can simmer about 40 g of green-kernel black soybeans (qing ren hei dou) with 5–6 slices of liquorice in water for 40 minutes; give it to her for 3–4 days to help clear medicine residue. Afterwards, a congee of 6 red dates, millet and lean pork can help strengthen her digestion and absorption.
- Q (reader): Is there something that helps prevent cognitive decline? Bro Niu: My professor at HKU’s Chinese medicine school used to say American ginseng (xi yang shen) sliced and steeped as tea is traditionally taken to help support the mind. Best of all, keep exercising, keep learning new things, and keep your brain active. Buy from a reputable ginseng shop.
Published May 16, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
