Herbal & Flower Teas
Uncaria, Hawthorn, and Chrysanthemum Tea
traditionally associated with calming the liver, clearing heat, and easing dizziness associated with high blood pressure
Why people make this tea
Traditional Chinese medicine recognises several patterns of high blood pressure, ranging from what it calls “liver-fire rising” (characterised by a flushed face, headaches, and a hot temper) to a more deficiency-based pattern with ear ringing, fatigue, and dizziness. What this tea targets is the symptom cluster that tends to appear across many of these patterns: dizziness, headaches, ear ringing, irritability, and poor sleep. The three herbs work together — uncaria to calm nervous tension and lower pressure, hawthorn to support circulation and clear fats from the blood, and chrysanthemum to cool heat and clear the head.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults who experience dizziness, headaches, or irritability alongside elevated blood pressure, regardless of which traditional pattern applies
- Those with a cold or weak stomach (cold constitution) can add a few red dates or dried longan to warm the brew slightly
- Uncaria should NOT be cooked for more than 20 minutes: its blood-pressure-supporting compounds begin to break down if boiled too long; keep cooking time to around 15 minutes
- This tea is most effective in early-stage hypertension; it does not replace prescribed blood pressure medication
- Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using uncaria
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Uncaria (gou teng): A climbing plant whose hooked stems have been used in Chinese medicine for over a millennium. Traditionally used to calm the liver, suppress wind, reduce dizziness and spasms. Modern research suggests it contains compounds (rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline) that may help relax blood vessels. Recent studies also explore its potential role in supporting Parkinson’s disease management. Importantly: do not boil for more than 20 minutes.
- Hawthorn berries (shan zha): Widely used in Chinese food-therapy for cardiovascular support; associated with promoting circulation, breaking down fats, and easing the digestion of rich foods. Well-known and generally very safe.
- Chrysanthemum flowers (ju hua): Cooling and gently dispersing; associated with clearing liver heat, brightening the eyes, and soothing wind-heat headaches.
Ingredients (about 2 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncaria (gou teng) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Available at Chinese herbal stores |
| Hawthorn berries (shan zha) | ~11 g (3 qian) | |
| Chrysanthemum flowers (ju hua) | ~11 g (3 qian) | |
| Water | 3.5 bowls (~700 ml) |
Method
- Rinse all three ingredients gently under cold water.
- Combine with 3.5 bowls of water in a small pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for approximately 15 minutes. Do not exceed 20 minutes — uncaria’s active compounds degrade with prolonged boiling.
- Strain and serve warm. Divide into 2 portions.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is most effective for those in the early stages of high blood pressure. The key thing to remember is not to over-cook the uncaria — keep the simmering time to around 15 minutes at most. If your stomach tends to run cold or you find the tea a little too cooling, add a few red dates or a small amount of dried longan to the pot before simmering.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): Can people with a cold stomach constitution drink uncaria tea? Can I add red dates to make it taste better? Bro Niu: Those with a cold stomach constitution can add some red dates or longan flesh — this warms the brew slightly. You can still drink uncaria-based tea.
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Q (reader): Fresh mulberry leaves and chrysanthemum with rock sugar — is that a suitable combination? How long should it be cooked? Bro Niu: Fresh mulberry leaves with chrysanthemum and rock sugar — cook for about 10 minutes. This combination helps clear liver heat, brighten the eyes, and disperse wind-heat.
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Q (Amy): I am in my twenties, have been sleeping very late due to exams, and recently noticed some ringing in my ears. The doctor said my blood circulation is not ideal. What food-therapy would you suggest? Bro Niu: Try a soup using processed fleeceflower root (zhi shou wu, 5 qian), black soybeans (1 liang), goji berries (3 qian), and southern dates (nan zao, 5 pieces) cooked with silkie chicken or lean pork. The whole family can drink it. Take for three consecutive days. Eat the black beans and dates for best effect.
Published April 28, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
