Top 13 Benefits of Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea

In a world governed by endless trends, from how we dress to how we talk, the technology we use, and the foods we consume, things are constantly falling in and out of fashion. Despite this, we're less about what's "in" and more about what works, prioritizing quality and a lasting love for timeless remedies. It's goods and products rooted in longtime traditions that continue to captivate us. Chrysanthemum tea, a delicate and aromatic herbal infusion, is one of those treasures. With its enduring benefits and rich history, chrysanthemum has been revered for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is commonly enjoyed across East Asia. It’s possible you’ve come across chrysanthemum, tried it a couple of times, or maybe even grew up drinking it. For both newcomers and big fans of the super flower,  join us as we explore the fascinating world of chrysanthemum tea, uncovering its origins, health advantages, and the perfect way to brew a cup that both cools the body and warms the soul.

Chrysanthemum tea provides a delicate herbal flavor that’s known for its soothing effects. Mild in taste, the flower makes for a highly versatile brew and a natural go-to for everyday sipping. Commonly served at social rituals and as a cultural practice in China and other East Asian countries, you will often see chrysanthemum tea at social gatherings, and festivals, or simply being served as a gesture of hospitality.

Curious about how your tea gets from the harvest to your home? We source our delicate golden Royal Chrysanthemum flowers from Jiangxi, a southeast Chinese province across from Hong Kong. Known for its diverse landscapes, scenic mountains, rivers, and lakes, the region provides an ideal climate with fertile soil for growing these super flowers. With myriad benefits, chrysanthemum has specifically been used to boost immunity, improve vision, cool the body, and more.

Meanwhile, our Wild Chrysanthemum is harvested from pristine, high-altitude regions where nature thrives untouched. These flowers are petite and floral. We recommend using 5-6 dried wild flowers per cup of tea. While their health benefits remain similar to Royal Chrysanthemum, they provide an even more calming effect, easing tension and relaxing the mind. They blend effortlessly with your favorite teas and can act as a garnish to provide an even deeper relaxing experience. 

Chrysanthemum’s Healing Benefits:

1. It’s Antioxidant Rich 

Whether you’re on a quest for a healthier lifestyle, or you’re merely taking a stroll down the aisles of your local grocery store, it’s likely the word “antioxidant” has come your way. Antioxidants are molecules that help protect your body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can cause harm to cells, causing inflammation, more rapid aging, cancer, and heart disease. By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. Luckily, chrysanthemum tea is naturally high in antioxidants, so you are can fight free radicals and protect your cells from damage with every sip. 

2. It Supports Eye Health

Chrysanthemum tea has been used traditionally to improve vision and relieve eye strain, making it beneficial for those who spend long hours in front of screens. The flower is also rich in Vitamin A which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, preventing night blindness and supporting the retina’s function. 

3. It Has Anti-inflammatory Properties

Chrysanthemum is rich in a variety of flavonoids like luteolin and quercetin, compounds known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties. If you struggle with arthritis and skin irritations, chrysanthemum can help promote a healthier inflammatory response. The essential oils in the flowers contain compounds like borneol and camphor, which also have anti-inflammatory properties.

4. It’s Calming and Relaxing

When you're feeling overwhelmed and need something to take the edge off, stop to take a deep breath, think about what's causing you to feel stressed and consider getting out your kettle. Chrysanthemum has mild sedative properties that can help you unwind after a long day. Brewing a cup before bed can have a calming effect, help to reduce anxiety and promote a more restful night sleep due to  flavonoids and amino acids in the tea acting on the body's nervous system.

5. It’s a Natural Detoxifier

When we think of detoxes, we often think it has to do with digestion, involving things like strict diets and juice cleanses, but detoxifying can mean so much more. Having a healthy liver is crucial to detoxifying the body, as the organ is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and converting them into waste. Chrysanthemum tea supports liver function. Favonoids and phenolic acids int he tea can enhance the activity of liver enzymes involved in detoxification processes.

6. It’s Cooling and Refreshing

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, chrysanthemum tea has natural cooling properties, making it refreshing on hot days and useful for reducing internal heat.  It’s historically been used to help combat harsh outdoor climates and even reduce fever by cooling the body’s internal temperature. Each time you come in from being outside all day, resist the urge to grab an ice-cold glass of water and consider brewing a cup of chrysanthemum.

7. It Aids Digestion

Chrysanthemum tea can help alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and stomach discomfort. The warmth of the tea can also help soothe cramping and pain. Drinking chrysanthemum after meals can promote better digestion and act as a preventative aid against potential pains.

8. It Promotes Cardiovascular Health

If you're concerned about keeping your blood pressure or cholesterol in check, drinking chrysanthemum can help improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and enhancing circulation.

9. It Soothes Sore Throats

The tea’s anti-inflammatory and cooling properties make it effective for soothing sore throats and other respiratory issues. When you feel a tickle in your throat coming on, consider a cup of chrysanthemum with honey to be your first line of defense against pesky colds and flu viruses. 

10. It Supports Skin Health

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in chrysanthemum can help maintain healthy skin and alleviate conditions like acne and eczema. As you age, elasticity in your skin decreases and collagen depletes. Chrysanthemum can improve the skin's appearance, leading to the reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. When you're hydrated, your skin stays happy and will maintain a natural plumpness and glow. 

11. It Helps with Respiratory Issues

Chrysanthemum tea can help alleviate symptoms of colds and respiratory infections, including reducing congestion and clearing the nasal passages. It also may help reduce histamine levels in the body, alleviating symptoms of allergic reactions like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

12. It’s a Mood Booster

Finally, chrysanthemum tea contains compounds that help stabilize mood and promote an overall sense of well-being. This can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing mood swings or mild depression. By combating oxidative stress, chrysanthemum can reduce mental fatigue and enhance focus, contributing to a more balanced and positive state of mind. Everything from the tea's pleasant aroma to it's gentle taste acts as a subtle mood booster. 

13. An Iconic Combo

Sip, savor and distress with a cup of wild chrysanthemum tea. Enjoy it on its own or with a generous spoon of honey. We like it best with goji berries — a superfood with cooling properties that's rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, iron and zinc. Their natural sweetness provides both a tart and herbal flavor with a chewy and juicy texture. Together, they compliment each other beautifully — think of these two like you would a delicious wine and cheese pairing — a perfectly complimentary pairing for your palette.