Rose, Albizia and Chrysanthemum Three-Flower Tea

Why people make this tea

Life rarely goes the way we’d like, and Nourilo notes that mid-life and older people — the children grown and gone, the body slowing down — can be especially prone to low spirits. He gently reminds readers to count their blessings, and offers this three-flower tea, traditionally enjoyed to soothe the liver and ease a heavy or restless mood, the kind of feeling that shows up as constant sighing, foggy thinking and a tight, achy chest.

Method

1. Place all the flowers in a pot.
2. Rinse once with boiling water, then refill with boiling water.
3. Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes. Drink, re-steeping until the flavour fades.

Nourilo’s Tips

The tea is fragrant and traditionally said to regulate qi and, over time, steady the spirit. A little honey makes it taste even nicer. Note: pregnant women should not drink flower teas.