Xia Ku Cao and Golden Chrysanthemum Tea

Why people make this tea

Here’s another simple flower-and-herb tea Nourilo likes for flu season. Chrysanthemum comes in three kinds — white, golden-yellow and wild. White is mild and sweet, traditionally said to calm the liver and brighten the eyes; golden-yellow is more bitter and stronger at clearing heat, with the same eye-brightening reputation; wild chrysanthemum is the most bitter and the strongest at clearing heat-toxin. All three are traditionally seen as working against germs and viruses. Paired with prunella (xia ku cao), which is traditionally used to clear heat and ease red eyes and headache, it makes an easy seasonal cup.