Rose and Jasmine (Su Xin) Flower Tea

Why people make this tea

Nourilo admits even he gets exasperated sometimes — and when he does, he brews a cup of flower tea to take the edge off. This rose-and-jasmine tea is a long-loved remedy for a tense, knotted feeling: in the traditional view it soothes the liver, moves stuck qi and lifts a stagnant mood. It is also associated with easing the bloated stomach and acid reflux that so often come when emotions get bottled up.

Method

1. Put the rose buds and jasmine flowers into a pot.
2. Pour over just-boiled water and steep about 7 minutes.
3. Serve; you can keep topping up with hot water until the flavour fades.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is quite helpful for people with acid reflux and can be drunk regularly. Choose roses with tightly furled, plump, fragrant buds. When you feel really worked up, brewing a fragrant flower tea — or simply smelling fragrant flowers or fruit — can help settle the mind.