Chrysanthemum Blossom and Other Flowers Used in Making Tea

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In the golden autumn of October, the chrysanthemum breaks out into full blossom. It is a pleasure of life Lto enjoy the wonderful view of the chrysanthemum blossom while eating crabs. Moreover, the chrysanthemum blossom is not only a wonderful delight to the eyes, but it is also drinkable. Autumn is also the season for tea workers to collect the chrysanthemum blossom and make tea. According to Compendium of Materia Medica,a work about Chinese medicine written by Li Shizhen in 1578, the chrysanthemum blossom tastes sweet and cool and is effective in relieving internal heat and calming the liver to improve eyesight. The chrysanthemum blossom mentioned in Compendium of Materia Medica does not refer to the decorative chrysanthemum blossom usually seen, but refers only to the white chrysanthemum blossom, which can be used as Chinese medicine as well as for tea making.

Appearing fine, elegant and pure white, the chrysanthemum blossom emits a faint, sweet fragrance that flows into the heart. When placed into boiledwater, chrysanthemum blossom tea tastes pleasantly sweet and fragrant with a slight bitterness. Drinking chrysanthemum blossom tea in spring is effective in curing dampness-induced diseases; in summer, relieving summer heat; in autumn, relieving internal heat; and in winter, moistening the lungs, skin, etc. The Chinese believe that drinking chrysanthemum blossom teas constantly can relieve internal heat and improve eyesight, supplement energy and enhance beauty, regulate the stomach and the spleen and prolong life.

At the end of each October, all the chrysanthemums come into full bloom, such as the Hangbai chrysanthemum in Tongxiang of Zhejiang, Huangshan Gong chrysanthemum on the Huangshan Mountain, Bo chrysanthemum in Bozhou, Chu chrysanthemum in Chuzhou of Anhui, Chuan chrysanthemum in Zhongjiang of Sichuan and De chrysanthemum in Deqing of Zhejiang. Of all these kinds of chrysanthemum, the Hangbai chrysanthemum and the Gong chrysanthemum on the Huangshan Mountain are the best loved among the people. The Gong chrysanthemum, grown among the sea of mists on the Huangshan Mountain and drawing the miraculous power from heaven and earth, mountains and rivers and the clouds and mists, is exceedingly precious. The Hangbai chrysanthemum, grown in the homeland of fish, rice and silkworm culture in south China, is one of the eight traditional Chinese medicinal herbs for export in Zhejiang. The Hangbai chrysanthemum can be collected about five times each year and all the Hangbai chrysanthemum blossom picked at the first time is full and of the same size. The tea made with it tastes pleasantly sweet and fragrant. It is also a rare treasure.

Glass tea utensils are best for drinking chrysanthemum tea, because chrysanthemum blossom tea not only serves to make you feel refreshed, it also moistens the throat and is pleasing to both the eye and the mind. When put in boiled water, the air-dried chrysanthemum blossom seems to awaken from its long sleep. Unfurling quietly, the petals begin to dance gracefully and, bit by bit, thesplendor of life bursts out again. The tea made with the chrysanthemum blossom appears light yellow, clear and bright. The petals in the water appear jade white and the pistils and stamens bright yellow, waving in the water, which forms a scene of dazzling beauty. Chrysanthemum can be also added into tea, mulberry leaves and Chinese hawthorn. These drinks have the medicinal effect of relieving internal fever, lowering the blood pressure, and eliminating tension and indigestion.

Apart from the chrysanthemum blossom tea, which is familiar to all people, nearly all the herbal flowers can be used as tea in China. Roses can regulate qi energyand improve blood circulation; narcissus can help the hair grow black and moisten the skin; pot marigold excels in nourishing the liver and improving eyesight; magnolia can tone up the heart and calm the nerves; mint can reduce the bloated stomach and Roselle can reduce freckles and enhance beauty. Moreover, honeysuckles and sterculia seeds are effective in relieving internal heat; Gynostemma-herb can help bring down blood pressure and momordica grosvenori can relieve inflammation. These cannot only serve as daily drinks, but they’ ve already been included in the prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine. All women love herbal-flower drinks, not only for the rich, sweet scent, but also for their inherent medicinal effects. Have herbal-flower drinks, and, definitely, you’ ll be a beauty.