September 01, 2025Flower Tea 101

7 Flower Tea Recipes for Every Mood and Benefit

I started The Qi about six years ago with the very intention that we believe in the healing wisdom of flowers. For centuries, flowers have been celebrated around the world and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as remedies to restore balance, harmony, and vitality.

Throughout history, TCM has held the principle that medicine and food share the same origin. This means dietary adjustments can be used not only for nourishment, but also as preventative and therapeutic methods for beauty, health, and longevity. Tea, in particular, is more than a drink—it can serve as a gentle form of daily medicine. Tea therapy is the practice of using tea, either on its own or combined with other TCM foods and herbs, to help prevent disease and maintain wellness.

In the hustle and bustle of New York City where I live and work, stress, overstimulation, and long days can feel overwhelming. Something as simple as a leisurely cup of flower or herbal tea becomes more than a ritual—it’s a lifeline. These fragrant brews not only benefit the body, but also lift the spirit and soothe the mind.

What exactly are herbal teas? Broadly speaking, herbal tea refers to a beverage made by boiling or brewing the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or bark of a plant. Everyday kitchen herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme are considered medicinal in many traditions, and while they can be steeped for their aroma or subtle health benefits, flowers bring an especially sensory-rich experience—both visually and therapeutically.

So, how do you choose a tea that suits you?
The answer lies in understanding your body’s needs and aligning them with the therapeutic functions of each flower. For example:

Ceremonial Whole Flowers

Shangri-La Rose

TCM Benefits: Moves Qi and blood, supports liver function, and harmonizes digestion.
Modern Wellness: Calms stress, reduces menstrual discomfort, supports glowing skin, uplifts mood, aids digestion.

Royal Chrysanthemum

TCM Benefits: Clears heat, calms the liver, brightens eyes, supports lung health.
Modern Wellness: Relieves eye strain (especially from screens), reduces inflammation, supports relaxation, helps cool the body.

Blue Lotus

TCM Benefits: Nourishes the heart, calms Shen (spirit), balances hormones.
Modern Wellness: Promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, enhances sleep quality, supports intuition and creativity.

Petite Blooms

Rosebud

TCM Benefits: Moves Qi, regulates menstruation, eases liver stagnation.
Modern Wellness: Supports women’s health (PMS, cramps), lifts mood, enhances circulation, beautifies skin.

Wild Chrysanthemum

TCM Benefits: Clears heat and toxins, supports the immune system, reduces inflammation.
Modern Wellness: Helps with sore throat, headaches, detoxification, cooling and soothing effect.

Butterfly Pea

TCM Benefits: Nourishes yin, supports kidneys, calms the mind.
Modern Wellness: Rich in antioxidants (anthocyanins), supports skin and hair health, enhances memory and focus, magical color-changing when lemon is added.

Blooming Teas (with Green Tea Base)

Inner Awakening

Ingredients: Green tea + carnation.
Benefits: Antioxidant-rich, supports skin radiance, awakens energy, improves circulation, gentle caffeine lift.

Inner Connection

Ingredients: Green tea + rosebuds + calendula.
Benefits: Stress relief, heart-opening, aids digestion, calming yet uplifting, supports respiratory health.

Inner Radiance

Ingredients: Green tea + osmanthus + lily.
Benefits: High in antioxidants, beautifying, promotes glowing complexion, calming yet energizing balance.

Functional Blends

Cleanse (Detox Blend)

TCM Functions: Clears heat, supports liver & digestive function, aids detoxification.
Modern Benefits: Bloating relief, supports metabolism, helps reset digestion.

Sleep

TCM Functions: Calms Shen (spirit), nourishes yin, anchors heart.
Modern Benefits: Eases anxiety, promotes deep rest, helps regulate sleep cycles naturally.

Beauty (Skin Glow Blend)

TCM Functions: Moves blood, supports Qi circulation, harmonizes liver.
Modern Benefits: Promotes radiant skin, reduces stress-related breakouts, nourishes beauty from within.

Energy

TCM Perspective: A perfectly balanced formula that tonifies Qi (ginseng, black tea), nourishes yin and blood (goji, jujube), harmonizes and clears excess heat (mulberry, chrysanthemum, licorice), with a hint of fruitiness (strawberry) to balance the blend.
Modern Wellness:
- Sustained energy without jitters
- Mental clarity and focus
- Immune and antioxidant support
- Stress resilience and calm balance
- Gentle sweetness, skin-loving superfoods

Fully unfermented teas like Japanese matcha or Chinese Longjing are considered cooling in nature and known to clear heat and detoxify. They are packed with vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, which support healthy skin and protect cells from oxidative stress. Research suggests regular green tea consumption may even carry protective, anti-cancer properties. However, because green tea is cooling and stimulating, it is not suitable for everyone. People who are prone to feeling cold or who have weak spleen and stomach function should drink it in moderation. I see the rise of popularity in Matcha in the US these days and wonder how many people know that for those with weak digestion, drinking matcha first thing in the morning on an empty stomach may not be ideal.

Ultimately, herbal and flower teas should be chosen based on your body’s constitution, current needs, and lifestyle goals. Some days, your body might crave cooling clarity, while others call for soothing calm, radiant beauty, or digestive relief.

In this post, we’ve curated 7 flower tea recipes inspired by TCM wisdom to address the most common needs for mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking calm before sleep, glowing skin, hormone harmony, digestive support, stronger immunity, sharper focus, or inner peace, there’s a bloom waiting to support you.

1. Calm & Sleep: Blue Lotus Dream Tea

Ingredients: Blue Lotus + Goji Berries
Benefit: Soothes the mind, releases tension, and supports restful sleep.
Brewing Ritual: Steep 1 whole Blue Lotus with a handful (≈15 goji berries) in hot water for 3–5 minutes. Sip slowly before bed as you dim the lights and settle into your evening wind-down.

2. Glow & Skin Beauty: Rose Radiance Tea

Ingredients: Shangri-La Rose + Schisandra Berry + Pearl Powder
Benefit: Hydrates and nourishes from within, rich in antioxidants for radiant skin.
Brewing Ritual: Infuse 1 Shangri-La Rose with a pinch of schisandra berries. Once steeped, stir in ¼ tsp pearl powder. Sip in the morning while you practice your skincare ritual—beauty from the inside out.

3. Hormone Harmony: Bloom + Balance Tea

Ingredients: Shangri-La Rose + Jujube Dates + Goji Berries + Hibiscus + Longan
Benefit: Harmonizes cycles, balances mood, and supports energy flow.
Brewing Ritual: Steep 1–2 tea spoons. Perfect for your luteal phase or anytime you crave grounding and balance.

4. Gut & Detox: Chrysanthemum Clarity Tea

Ingredients: Royal Chrysanthemum + Hawthorn Berry + Mint
Benefit: Aids gentle digestion, clears heat, and supports liver detox.
Brewing Ritual: Infuse 1 Royal Chrysanthemum flower or 5 wild chrysanthemum with hawthorn berries and fresh mint leaves. Ideal after a heavier meal, this tea refreshes and resets your body.

5. Immunity & Resilience: Blue Lotus Vitality Tea

Ingredients: Blue Lotus + Ginger + Chrysanthemum
Benefit: Strengthens immunity, relieves stress, and uplifts mood.
Brewing Ritual: Steep a Blue Lotus bloom with chrysanthemum flowers and thin slices of ginger. This comforting blend is especially supportive during colder seasons.

6. Focus & Flow: Butterfly Pea Clarity Tea

Ingredients: Butterfly Pea + Green Tea + Jasmine
Benefit: Boosts clarity, supports focus, and sparks creativity.
Brewing Ritual: Brew butterfly pea flowers with green tea and a touch of jasmine. Watch the infusion turn a vivid blue—add lemon and watch it transform to purple. A mindful ritual to start your work or creative session.

7. Stress Relief & Inner Peace: Rosebud Serenity Tea

Ingredients: Rosebuds + Lavender + Licorice Root
Benefit: Relieves stress, opens the heart, and promotes calm presence.
Brewing Ritual: Steep rosebuds with lavender flowers and a sliver of licorice root. Best enjoyed during journaling or meditation for grounding and serenity.

The Art of Brewing Flowering Tea

Drinking flowering tea is not only about health benefits—it is also a form of physical and mental enjoyment. The ritual begins the moment you place a bloom in hot water and watch it slowly unfurl, releasing both its fragrance and its hidden beauty. The simple act of watching flowers open inside a teapot can be deeply soothing, easing tension and inviting a sense of calm presence.

The tasting process is equally enjoyable. Each sip carries not only flavor but also a connection to nature’s quiet rhythms, reminding us to pause, breathe, and savor.

Choosing the Right Teaware

Glass Teapots: Tall, round glass teapots are most commonly used because they allow you to clearly watch the bloom open, creating a visual performance that complements the aroma and taste.
Porcelain Teapots or Cups: White porcelain interiors are another good option. Their clean backdrop highlights the tea’s natural hues without masking them.
Avoid Certain Materials: Iron or aluminum vessels can affect the tea’s delicate flavor, so they are best avoided when brewing flowering teas.

Sweetening Your Bloom

Traditionally, flowering teas are enjoyed plain to let the natural aroma shine. However, you can personalize your ritual:

Rock Sugar: Add two teaspoons to gently enhance floral sweetness without overpowering.
Honey: A drizzle of raw honey complements rose, chrysanthemum, and lavender especially well.
Your Own Preference: The key is to keep sweetness light and balanced so the flower remains the star of the cup.

Brewing flowering tea is not just about hydration—it’s a moment of ritual, beauty, and sensory delight. From the unfurling of petals to the gentle warmth of each sip, it’s an experience that nourishes body, mind, and spirit.

FAQ About Flower Teas

Can you drink flower tea every day?
Yes—flower teas are generally gentle and safe for daily enjoyment. However, as with all TCM remedies, it’s best to match your tea choice to your body’s constitution and current needs.

Can flowering tea be re-steeped?
Yes! Most whole flower teas can be re-steeped 2–3 times, with the flavor and aroma evolving with each brew.

Is green tea good for everyone?
Not always. While green teas like Matcha are antioxidant-rich, they are cooling and stimulating. People with weak digestion or who feel cold often should enjoy them in moderation.

Final Sip

Each of these recipes reflects the wisdom of TCM and the power of flowers to restore balance in modern life. Whether you need calm, radiance, balance, or focus, there’s a bloom waiting to support you.

✨ You are what you drink. Drink flowers, feel alive.