Herbal & Flower Teas
Jasmine Chrysanthemum Tea (mo li hua ju hua cha)
Traditionally eases tension and calms liver-heat
Why people make this tea
Bro Niu has a soft spot for fragrant flowers — he says any flower with a lovely scent helps loosen frazzled nerves. In summer, when jasmine and ginger lily are in bloom, he’ll bring home a bunch so the whole room smells sweet, and the day’s worries seem to ease. This jasmine-chrysanthemum tea is his everyday cup for those with liver-heat, dizziness, headache, or simply a wound-up mind.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people who feel tense and wound-up, with liver-heat signs like dizziness or headache; also a friendly cup for those with high blood pressure, anxiety, or a chronic touchy stomach.
- Most floral teas are not suitable during pregnancy. If you tend to feel cold, add a few jujubes or some goji to temper the cooling nature.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Jasmine (mo li hua): its fragrance is traditionally used to ease tension and lift the mood.
- Chrysanthemum (ju hua): traditionally clears liver-heat and brightens the eyes.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jasmine flowers | 1 small pinch | |
| Chrysanthemum flowers | 1 small pinch | tribute (gong ju), Hangzhou or bud chrysanthemum all work |
| Honey | to taste | stir in at the end |
Method
- Put the jasmine and chrysanthemum in a pot and rinse once with boiling water.
- Pour over fresh boiling water and steep, covered, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in honey and serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
The flowers pictured are tribute chrysanthemum (gong ju), which is fragrant; you can also use Hangzhou (hang ju) or bud (tai ju) chrysanthemum. This tea is also helpful for those with high blood pressure, anxiety, or a chronic touchy stomach.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (meimei): Can floral teas be drunk during a cold or during one’s period? Bro Niu: Apart from during pregnancy, floral teas can be drunk at other times.
- Q (Alla): I’ve bought jasmine and bud chrysanthemum — would drinking it daily be too cooling? Do I need to add jujube? Bro Niu: You can add red jujube or goji to lessen the cooling nature.
Published July 14, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
