Nowadays, people are very health-conscious and enjoy drinking floral teas instead of plain water. For instance, many office workers like to brew a cup of chrysanthemum tea during work hours.
Chrysanthemum is a very common flower with numerous varieties. It grows in many regions across China, and while local varieties differ, the most common practice is to steep chrysanthemum in water for drinking.
While many recognize chrysanthemum tea's health benefits, what specific effects does it offer?
Can everyone freely enjoy this delicious brew? Who should avoid chrysanthemum tea? Let's explore!
Benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum tea clears liver heat and improves vision—a well-known effect.
Many young people today spend hours staring at computer screens or smartphones, which easily leads to eye strain, dryness, and discomfort. This is precisely when chrysanthemum tea becomes highly beneficial.
If you experience sore throat or cough with phlegm in daily life, it may indicate excessive liver heat. Chrysanthemum tea can also help "reduce heat" and achieve the effect of clearing the liver.
1. Chrysanthemum Tea for Clearing Heat and Improving Vision
In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum is a commonly used herbal remedy. Its benefits are documented in multiple medical texts:
The Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica states: "Chrysanthemum tastes bitter and neutral. It treats wind disorders, dizziness, swelling and pain, eyes tearing, dead skin tissue, aversion to dampness affecting the spleen. Long-term use benefits blood circulation, lightens the body, and prolongs life."
The Rihua Zi Materia Medica states: "Chrysanthemum treats wandering wind in the limbs, restlessness, chest oppression, abscesses, and headaches; using it as a pillow clarifies vision."
2. Chrysanthemum Tea for Mental Clarity
With its naturally pleasant aroma, sipping chrysanthemum tea offers comfort during work fatigue. Keep a packet in your office—when tiredness sets in, simply steep a handful in hot water.
Despite these benefits, chrysanthemum tea isn't suitable for everyone. Here's what you need to know.
Individuals unsuitable for chrysanthemum tea:
First. Pregnant women should avoid frequent consumption.
Chrysanthemum tea strongly stimulates the digestive tract during pregnancy. With lowered immunity, it may cause diarrhea, which is detrimental to fetal development.
Second. Those with a cold constitution should refrain from drinking chrysanthemum tea.
Chrysanthemum itself has cooling properties. For those with a cold constitution, drinking chrysanthemum tea may worsen their condition, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and bloating.
Individuals who frequently experience cold hands and feet in daily life typically have a cold constitution and should avoid chrysanthemum tea.
References:
[1]. September Wellness: Drink These 9 Teas [J]. Electromechanical Information, 2017(25): 84-85.
[2] Guo Xin. Drinking the Wrong Wellness Tea Can Harm Your Health [J]. Workmate, 2019(02): 60.