Choosing the Right Chrysanthemum Tea: Health Benefits and Personal Needs

In the hot summer, drinking a cup of chrysanthemum tea can help cool down and quench thirst. However, different varieties of chrysanthemum have different effects and are suitable for different constitutions. Choosing chrysanthemum flowers for tea is not a simple matter and should be based on personal needs. In addition, selecting certain herbal combinations can also have different health benefits.

Ornamental and Medicinal Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums can be classified as ornamental or medicinal. Ornamental chrysanthemums usually have larger flowers, various colors, and a mild taste, making them suitable as food decorations but generally not used medicinally. Medicinal chrysanthemums, on the other hand, typically have smaller flowers, mostly white in color (some with yellow heads), and a stronger chrysanthemum flavor, making them suitable for tea.

Wild Chrysanthemum: Cold and Bitter

Among the medicinal chrysanthemums, there are wild chrysanthemum, huai chrysanthemum, hang chrysanthemum, and tribute chrysanthemum. Wild chrysanthemum differs significantly from the other varieties in terms of its appearance and medicinal properties. Wild chrysanthemum has a strong heat-clearing and detoxifying effect and is colder in nature than the other varieties. It can be used when there is excessive internal heat or when there is an outbreak of sores and toxins. However, it has a bitter taste and poor mouthfeel, so it is generally not used for health maintenance. The other varieties of medicinal chrysanthemums have the functions of dispelling wind-heat, soothing the liver, and improving eyesight, with better taste.

Fragrant, Sweet, and Beneficial for Health

In terms of efficacy, taste, and flower shape, huai chrysanthemum, hang chrysanthemum, and tribute chrysanthemum also have their unique characteristics. Huai chrysanthemum has a slightly bitter taste but has a strong effect in dispelling wind-heat and nourishing the liver and improving eyesight. In terms of health benefits, huai chrysanthemum is the preferred choice. Tribute chrysanthemum is white with a slight yellow head, has a fragrant and slightly sweet taste, and is preferred in terms of taste. Hang chrysanthemum has larger flowers, and after brewing, the flower shape is more beautiful. Drinking a cup of hang chrysanthemum tea in summer not only nourishes the liver and improves eyesight but also brings visual enjoyment.

Not Suitable for Cold and Weak Spleen

Due to the cold nature of chrysanthemum, it is not recommended for those with weak spleen and stomach, poor appetite, or loose stools. Additionally, when brewing chrysanthemum tea, adding a small amount of honey, rock sugar, or white sugar can dilute the bitterness and improve the taste. However, for those with weak spleen and poor digestion, excessive sugar is not recommended as it can cause a sticky or sour mouth and excessive saliva. People with diabetes or high blood sugar should also avoid adding sugar and should drink chrysanthemum tea without any sweeteners.

Chrysanthemum Tea Recipes for Summer Health

Liver-nourishing and eyesight-improving tea: 8g hang chrysanthemum, 15g goji berries, substitute for tea.

Cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-reducing tea: 10g huai chrysanthemum, 10g honeysuckle, 10g hawthorn, substitute for tea.

Weight loss and body slimming tea: 2g huai chrysanthemum, 2g rose, 2g jasmine, 6g chuanxiong, 7g lotus leaf, substitute for tea.