Chrysanthemum tea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to combat various ailments, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, coronary problems, and bacterial infections. But do these uses have any scientific basis?
Next, we will tell you what chrysanthemum tea is for and if there is any guarantee that supports its uses. Now, before starting, it is worth clarifying that the famous chrysanthemum tea is not, in fact, a tea but an infusion. Remember that teas come from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Thus, all tea is an infusion but not all infusion is a tea.
With that said, it’s time to break down all about chrysanthemum tea!
The chrysanthemum plant
Chrysanthemums are flowers widely used in decoration and gardening to decorate. They grow from perennial plants (Chrysanthemum) native to Asia and northeastern Europe and belonging to the Asteraceae family.
They can reach 1.5 meters in height and are distinguished by their erect stems and their lanceolate and oval leaves between 4 and 12 centimeters long and between 4 and 6 wide.
Its flowering occurs in the month of November; in fact, it is known as “the flower of November”. Of course, in the southern hemisphere, where today it is also possible to find it, it flowers between April and June.
Health benefits of chrysanthemum tea
This infusion, called jú huā chá in Chinese, has multiple uses in alternative medicine. Some of them have been proven by scientific studies, while others continue to be based on popular knowledge and the stories of those who say they have consumed chrysanthemum tea and have improved their discomfort.
Improves digestion
Its digestive properties have been passed down from generation to generation. For this reason, its use to combat colic, whet the appetite and combat digestive discomfort is becoming more and more widespread.
Eliminate headache
Traditional Chinese medicine recommends its consumption to relieve headaches and migraines. Some of its components have an anti-inflammatory effect that is responsible for combating these discomforts.
It’s relaxing
Drinking a piping hot cup of chrysanthemum tea is said to help clear your mind, relax and forget all your troubles.
Has antioxidant properties
The antioxidants present in chrysanthemum tea fight against free radicals to prevent oxidative stress, which is responsible for premature aging and the appearance of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or cancer.
Although existing studies to date have investigated only some species of chrysanthemums, their antioxidant power has been verified.
Lowers blood pressure
Thanks to its antioxidant property, chrysanthemum tea would act on blood pressure, bringing it to normal levels. This is of vital importance since hypertension is one of the great risk markers for heart and brain diseases.
Prevents bacterial contamination
Would you like to prevent all kinds of diseases caused by germs? Although research has been unclear on this point, there is evidence that consuming this tea helps maintain a strong immune system. Thus, its use is also recommended to combat flu, colds and sore throats.
Promotes calcium assimilation
For a long time it was said that drinking this infusion makes one have strong bones and even helps fight diseases such as osteoporosis. Recent research has indicated that its consumption enables a better assimilation of calcium, an essential nutrient for bone health.
Remember that the body needs this mineral to maintain bone density. When density drops, bones become more brittle and therefore can fracture more easily.
How to prepare chrysanthemum tea
This infusion is very easy to make. For this, you must have dried chrysanthemums. If you have a plant at home, cut off the flowers and let them dry in a sunny spot for several days. The best way to do this is to hang the flowers upside down. Another possibility is to use a food dehydrator.
Of course, you can buy dried chrysanthemums ready to infuse in your trusted herbalist.
Ingredients
- 4 dried flowers
- 1 cup of water
Elaboration
- Bring the water to a boil, turn off the heat, and let the water cool for about a minute.
- Add the dried flowers and let stand 4 minutes.
- Ready! Your infusion is ready to drink, alone or with honey.
Do not hesitate and try this floral infusion: you will fall in love with its mild flavor and its aroma, it will conquer your heart! In addition, you can benefit from its extensive health benefits. What are you waiting for?