Three-Flower Tea (San Hua Cha)

Why people make this tea

The desire for a clear, even complexion is nearly universal — and in Chinese beauty tradition, the approach is inside-out. Rather than relying solely on topical creams, the focus is on improving the quality of the blood and qi that nourish the skin cells from within. Rose buds are one of the most widely used beauty flowers in Chinese herbalism: they move qi and blood, ease the kind of emotional tension that can dull the complexion, and are fragrant enough to make daily consumption genuinely enjoyable. When paired with osmanthus — which has its own mild astringent and complexion-brightening properties — and jasmine, which supports healthy qi flow and adds another layer of fragrance, the result is a tea that is both pleasant and purposeful. Nourilo has recommended this combination for daily use by women, and notes that men can equally benefit.

Method

1. Place all three flowers in a teapot.
2. Pour a little boiling water over them, swirl gently, and discard — this rinse removes any dust.
3. Pour in fresh boiling water to fill the pot. Cover and steep for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour into a cup, allow to cool slightly, then stir in honey to taste.
5. Drink warm. Can be re-steeped once.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is also effective for freshening breath — a pleasant bonus. If jasmine flowers are hard to find, try golden marigold (jin zhan ju / calendula) as a substitute, which has its own mild skin-brightening reputation. If you find the honey too much sugar and want sweetness without it, look for stevia leaves (tian ju ye) in specialty tea shops — two leaves will add natural sweetness and have no glycaemic impact. For melasma (butterfly-shaped pigmentation spots common in middle-aged women), this tea works best as part of an internal approach; Nourilo also recommends mixing almond powder with egg white and applying it as a mask to the affected area for 30 minutes before washing off — do this daily for a month to help fade spots. Persistent or changing pigmentation warrants a check with a dermatologist.