Herbal teaTraditional use
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum morifolium (júhuā, gukhwa)
- Category
- Herbal tea
- Evidence
- Traditional use
- Used
- In the kitchen
- In the library
- Book II, Chapter 10
- Pairs with
- Goji Berry, Green Tea
Overview
A cooling floral tea used across China and Korea to 'clear heat' — traditionally chosen for redness, tired eyes, and flushed skin.
What it is
Dried chrysanthemum flowers steep into a pale, honeyed tea that has been drunk for centuries as a remedy for heat, irritation, and eye strain. It is one of the most accessible entry points to medicinal tea.
In the book's ingredient index it appears under both inflammation and redness.
How it works
- Flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in laboratory studies.
- Traditional use for 'heat' aligns loosely with modern interest in dietary anti-inflammatories; human skin evidence is limited.
Potential benefits
- A gentle, cooling, caffeine-free tea
- Traditional association with calmer, less flushed skin
- Antioxidant flavonoids
Potential benefits describe what research and use suggest may occur for many people — not guaranteed outcomes. Individual responses vary.
Who might consider it
- Redness-prone or flushed skin
- Readers looking for a soothing evening tea
How it’s used
- Steep whole dried flowers three to five minutes; often combined with goji berries.
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place.
Pairing with other ingredients
- Goji BerryThe classic goji-chrysanthemum brew.
- Green TeaFrequently blended for a cooling green tea.
Things to know
- People allergic to the daisy family may react.
- Cooling in traditional terms — often reduced in cold weather.
Research
References & further reading
- 01
Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers: phytochemistry and bioactivity
Food & Function
Reviews flavonoid content and preclinical activity.
Art of Radiance distinguishes established evidence from emerging research and traditional practice. Read our science & sources approach.