Does drinking floral tea make men "effeminate"? Many men wish to drink floral tea to dispel dampness and reduce internal heat, yet worry about developing feminine traits, as they've heard floral teas commonly consumed by women contain estrogen. Dr. Zhu Xinyi, Deputy Chief Physician of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, explicitly states this is a misconception. Edible flowers do not contain estrogen.
While floral teas are more commonly consumed by women, their aromatic properties help soothe the liver and regulate qi. Certain varieties like rose and rosehip teas promote blood circulation, which is particularly beneficial for women.However, floral teas are not exclusively for women. Zhu Xinyi pointed out that floral teas offer benefits such as nourishing the stomach and spleen, cooling the body and reducing internal heat, and clearing the liver and improving vision. They are typically chosen based on individual needs. For instance, men with blood stasis or poor circulation can benefit from rose or rosehip tea. Zhu Xinyi also specifically recommended several floral teas for men who smoke or drink heavily, as well as those who work long hours in front of computers.
For "high-stress, high-fat men," choose Notoginseng flower tea. Notoginseng flowers can lower blood pressure and cholesterol while softening blood vessels. Men with hypertension or hyperlipidemia may benefit from it. Chrysanthemum tea offers similar effects, but its cooling nature makes it less suitable for those with weak spleens/stomachs or prone to diarrhea.
"Smokers" should choose honeysuckle tea. Men who smoke heavily often experience dry, itchy throats or even chronic pharyngitis. Honeysuckle tea can alleviate these symptoms. As honeysuckle has a cold nature and is an effective remedy for clearing heat and detoxifying, those with weak spleen and stomach should avoid excessive consumption.
"Heavy drinkers" should choose kudzu flower tea. Men who indulge in alcohol or frequently drink socially are prone to liver damage. Kudzu flower tea helps alleviate alcohol-induced discomfort. Adding chrysanthemum or goji berries further supports liver health.
"Computer-working men" should choose chrysanthemum tea. Men who frequently work at computers are prone to eye strain. Drinking chrysanthemum tea can clear the liver and improve vision. Adding a moderate amount of goji berries can also help protect the liver. Mulberry leaves also have liver-cleansing and vision-improving effects, making them a good addition to chrysanthemum tea. Those with weak spleen and stomach function or prone to diarrhea should drink chrysanthemum tea sparingly.