Herbal & Flower Teas
Roselle, Chrysanthemum and Licorice Tea
Traditionally used to clear summer heat, aid digestion, and support clear, bright eyes
Why people make this tea
Roselle (the deep-red hibiscus calyx) is a refreshing summer drink, traditionally associated with aiding digestion and balancing the body, while tender chrysanthemum buds are linked with cooling the liver and brightening tired eyes. A few slices of licorice add natural sweetness — its sweetness dissolves so readily in water that even heavily diluted it can soften roselle’s sharp tartness into a pleasant sweet-tart tea.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who feel “heaty” and greasy in summer, those with tired or strained eyes, and people who like a tart-sweet cooling drink. It is popular among those watching blood pressure and blood lipids.
- Not suitable in pregnancy. Do not drink licorice teas long term, as licorice can cause water retention and may raise blood pressure.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Roselle / hibiscus (luo shen hua): A tart summer drink traditionally associated with aiding digestion and balancing the body.
- Chrysanthemum (ju hua): Tender buds keep well and are traditionally linked with cooling the liver and brightening the eyes.
- Licorice (gan cao): Adds natural sweetness and is traditionally associated with harmonizing and moistening; use sparingly and not long term.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roselle / hibiscus calyx (luo shen hua) | 7 flowers | Dried |
| Chrysanthemum (ju hua) | ~7.5 g (2 qian) | Tender “baby” buds keep best |
| Licorice slices (gan cao) | 4 slices | From a Chinese herb shop |
Method
- Put all the ingredients in a teapot.
- Rinse once with boiling water and discard that water.
- Pour in fresh boiling water and steep about 7 minutes.
- Serve; refill with hot water until the flavor fades.
Bro Niu’s tips
Roselle and tender chrysanthemum can be found at some tea merchants; buy licorice at a Chinese herb shop. Licorice does have soothing, anti-irritant qualities, but it must not be used long term, as it can lead to water retention or raise blood pressure. If the tartness is too strong, honey or rock sugar makes it lovely.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Su Tai): Besides licorice, is there a substitute? Bro Niu: You can use brown sugar or honey instead.
- Q (Cake): Where can I buy roselle? Bro Niu: Fresh roselle calyx is sometimes available at organic grocers; the dried form is available at Chinese or Asian grocers and flower-tea shops online.
- Q (passerby): My family find the tartness hard to take — can I add more licorice to balance it, and should the ingredients keep soaking after the tea is brewed? Bro Niu: Roselle tastes great with honey or rock sugar added. Brew as much as you drink, and you can keep refilling until the flavor is faint.
Published February 27, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
