Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits & Side Effects

Chrysanthemum is more than just a flower. It is a great-tasting Herbal Tea that, according to preliminary research, might offer Chrysanthemum Tea benefits. Indeed, while long loved for its outstanding beauty, today, people brew it to improve life in small yet significant ways. The following article will show you the hows and whys behind its potential.

There will, of course, be other topics discussed, focussing primarily on its reported capacity to treat numerous ailments. And once you know the facts, you can try the infusion for yourself here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Since our founding in 1982, we have taken pride in packing our products fresh to order. Doing so ensures quality and consistency, time and again.

The Chrysanthemum Tea Plant

Chrysanthemums are the world’s most popular flowers after Roses. They come from the Asteraceae family, the same family from where we get Camomile Tea, Milk Thistle Tea and Dandelion Tea. There are an estimated 40 wild species of the Chrysanthemum Tea plant, often differing in size, colour and the number of flowers per stem. This also means that there are different types of Chrysanthemum Tea.

China alone is home to at least 17 species, including Chrysanthemum morifolium - the most beneficial variety and the one we use for making Herbal Tea. It grows predominantly in the Chinese Provinces of Anhui, Gansu, Henan, Jiangxi, Shaanxi and Zhejiang (the latter is most famous for Gunpowder Green Tea). Harvesting the flowers has taken place since the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE).

Chrysanthemum Tea and other floral consumables made from the plant play an integral role in the Chongyang Festival. This event - also known as the Double Ninth Festival - is observed on the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese Calendar. Most fascinating, perhaps, is that there is an age-old legend surrounding the festival and, indeed, the Herbal Tea itself.

Legend of Chrysanthemum Tea

The tale begins with a young man called Heng Jing, who lived in a village near the Ru River in Henan Province. His community suffered from a great plague inflicted by a demon living in the water, whereby he tragically lost his parents to the disease.

Heng Jing decided to travel to seek counsel from an immortal sage, a journey that proved tumultuous. He nevertheless overcame the obstacles and found the wise man.

The sage informed Heng Jing that the demon would return on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. He also explained how to kill the beast. Heng Jing returned home before telling his fellow villagers to climb the local mountain with Chrysanthemum liquor to hand.

When the demon next emerged from the water, the scent of the flower dazzled it, enabling the young man to strike it down with his sword.

Does Chrysanthemum Tea Have Caffeine?

Nowadays, Chrysanthemum Tea benefits extend less to defeating monsters and more to promoting health and wellness. But a question remains unanswered:

Does the Herbal Tea contain caffeine? This stimulating chemical compound is known and loved around the world for its energy kick. It exists in at least sixty plants, including Camellia sinensis (Tea) and Coffea (Coffee).

However, it’s important to note that these particular flowers don’t belong to the caffeinated family, meaning, in other words, that they’re caffeine-free.

The bottom line is that, should you need help getting out of bed in the morning, you might be better off with, say, Black Tea or Fresh Coffee. On the other hand, anyone needing to cut down their intake has chosen exceptionally well here.

Chrysanthemum Tea Nutrition

What it lacks in caffeine, it makes up for in the incredible properties of Chrysanthemum Tea. It is these properties that, when combined with a healthy and active lifestyle, might well lead to dried Chrysanthemum Tea benefits. The table below showcases just a few of its vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, all of which, combined, work on a molecular level to support you:

Properties of Chrysanthemum Tea

Vitamin A	Vitamin B	Vitamin C
Vitamin K	Beta-carotene	Calcium
Fibre	Iron	Magnesium
Niacin	Phosphorus	Potassium
Riboflavin	Sodium	Zinc

Allow us to back up momentarily because you’re probably wondering about Antioxidants in Tea and why they matter. Antioxidants combat free radicals in the body, which in turn are the product of oxidative stress.

By neutralising these free radicals and, as a result, slowing oxidative stress, the above constituents reduce the risk of developing a multitude of chronic conditions.

Chrysanthemum Tea Calories

Obesity is one such chronic disease that Chrysanthemum Tea benefits can address - albeit only minimally. However, it isn’t only its vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that tackle excess weight.

Also worth recognising is that the infusion is a remarkably low-calorie choice. But what are calories in Tea, anyway, and what is the amount you can expect in your morning cuppa?

Calories are a unit of measurement used to identify the amount of energy found in food or drink. When we consume more calories than the body needs, we store them as body fat. The average man ideally needs around 2,500kcal daily, while a woman requires approximately 2,000kcal.

It might sound like a lot, but it adds up quickly. The good news is that Chrysanthemum Tea has little more than an estimated 12 calories!

Is Chrysanthemum Tea Acidic or Alkaline?

The next port of call is determining whether Chrysanthemum Tea is acidic or alkaline. Once again, please allow us to go back to the basics and explain as there is a distinction between acid-forming products and products with acidic pH.

The former is something that promotes acidity in the body. The latter is what we’ll be talking about here. When we say “pH,” we’re referring to a measure of acidity.

The lower the pH value in food or drink, the more acid it contains. Take acidic lemon juice, which has a pH value of about two, or non-acidic dairy milk, which can have pH levels anywhere between 6.5 and 6.7. All that’s left, it would seem, is to put Chrysanthemum Tea on the scale. This Herbal Tea has a pH value ranging from 7 to 7.4, meaning it is anything but acidic.

Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits

Brew it one, two, or a handful of times, and you’ll receive a caffeine-free, low-acid Tea of unmistakably floral flavours and grassy, earthy undertones.

Make it frequently enough over a long period, and you’ll start noticing Chrysanthemum Tea’s antioxidants taking effect in your life. The concept is far from new. According to TCM, it relieves colds and the flu, disperses wind and heat, and promotes vision.

Furthermore, in the case of Empress Dowager and Regent Cixi (1835-1908), it apparently ensured longevity. Cixi managed to outlive both preceding Chinese emperors before reaching the age of 72. It might not sound like much to today’s standards, but, back then, it was. Her supposed secret? She credited it to her consuming Chrysanthemum jelly until the day she died.

A terrific story, most would agree, although, these days, people prefer hard facts and the evidence to back them. We can offer just that. Much of the rest of our article will be dedicated to proven Chrysanthemum Tea benefits, from combating insomnia to improving skin health to boosting immunity. We will also discuss the research around its reported detoxifying abilities and much, much more.

Does Chrysanthemum Tea Help You Sleep?

Around a third of the UK’s population are said to experience insomnia, a common disorder best characterised as a chronic inability to fall asleep. People with the condition who do eventually manage to drift off tend to find it hard to stay asleep or wake up too early.

Over-the-counter medicines are readily available, as well as prescriptions via medical experts. However, there is another way.

Does Chrysanthemum Tea make you sleepy? It isn’t the most renowned choice - that is reserved for Camomile Tea or even Lavender Tea - but it does appear to offer assistance. This is probably because it has calmative properties that have a sedative effect on the nervous system. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties might play a role in relaxing the body and mind.

Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits Liver Health

Reports suggest that Chrysanthemum Tea benefits liver health via its detoxifying abilities. A so-called “detox” (short for “detoxification”) refers to the removal of toxins from the body, such as alcohol.

Doing so supposedly helps protect the liver against harmful agents while cleansing the blood. But despite sounding amazing on the surface, please bear in mind that there is questionable science behind it.

Those who consider themselves detox believers would do well to make a cuppa with these flowers. They serve as a suitable liver cleanser and may go further to “detox” the skin (more on that in a moment).

Alternative types include Milk Thistle Tea and our specifically-blended Detox Yerba Mate and Chilli Tea. Each variety has something unique, indeed extraordinary, to offer in terms of its detoxifying power.

Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits Skin Health

Your skin is your largest organ, one that requires plenty of care and attention to keep it looking fresh, vibrant and youthful. Acne, meanwhile, is a skin condition that often gets in the way of your skin-care goals.

It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This then leads to breakouts in whiteheads, blackheads or pimples on the face, forehead, chest, back or shoulders.

A common misconception is that it happens in only young people, particularly teenagers. The reality is that almost anyone can experience it and the embarrassment that inevitably follows. Could a Chrysanthemum Tea acne treatment be the answer?

Part of it, at least. Topical application could clear up spots, blemishes, redness and other issues. Also noteworthy is its possible anti-ageing properties!

Can Chrysanthemum Tea Help with a Cold?

Practically everyone will be all too familiar with colds, which are caused by viruses that are easily spreadable between people. These illnesses are contagious until symptoms - typically blocked or runny noses, sore throats and coughing - have disappeared entirely.

When you’re suffering from a cold, it is best to rest and stay hydrated. And then, of course, there is the option of Chrysanthemum Flower Tea benefits.

For starters, Tea, regardless of the specific type, is hydrating as, fundamentally, it is water. (Read more in our article, “Does Tea Dehydrate You”). This particular beverage also contains an abundance of Vitamin C, which means that it ranks high when searching for the best Tea for the immune system. The bottom line is that Chrysanthemum Tea for coughs, colds and sore throats is worthwhile.

Chrysanthemum Tea Diuretic

We’ve covered Detox Tea. It’s time now to move on to Diuretic Tea. The term refers to promoting urine formation, enabling someone to excrete excess water in several ways.

It could mean, for instance, inhibiting the kidney’s ability to reabsorb sodium, which in turn enhances the loss of sodium and, consequently, water in the urine. Despite sounding strange, it has its uses.

Health professionals sometimes prescribe diuretics - or water pills - to rid the body of extra fluid or salt. This is especially beneficial to those with high blood pressure, heart failure, swollen tissues and kidney disease.

That’s all fair and well. But is Chrysanthemum Tea a diuretic? There is preliminary evidence to suggest that it is, although you might have more luck with Nettle Tea or Fennel Tea.

Chrysanthemum Tea’s Weight Loss Potential

A “fix-all” solution to losing weight is a myth. No such thing exists as dropping those pesky pounds takes hard work, determination, and, perhaps above all else, perseverance.

You’ll undoubtedly need to partake in ample exercise alongside a balanced diet to see the desired changes. But does Chrysanthemum Tea help you lose weight in any way, shape or form? Potentially - and we truly mean potentially.

The (potential) reason is the long-held belief that it boosts the metabolism of fat cells, which enables the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently. If proven outright, it could mean that, by drinking the Tea, periods of exercise might produce better, more noticeable results.

The fact that it is low in calories, too, could have an influence on your waistline. Just don’t give up on those morning jogs and salads yet!

Dried Chrysanthemum Tea Side Effects

Chrysanthemum Tea benefits are, unfortunately, only one side of the coin. We regret to inform you, though feel obligated to do so, that there have been rare instances of Chrysanthemum Tea effects and complications.

Should you suffer from skin allergies, handling the flower might cause redness, swelling or itching. You may also experience increased sensitivity to sunlight and an increased risk of sunburn.

Furthermore, you should avoid drinking the Herbal Tea if you’re taking drugs to suppress the immune system or are allergic to ragweed. If you have any concerns regarding consumption, we strongly urge you to seek medical consultation before trying it. First and foremost, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company cares deeply about the welfare of its customers.

Chrysanthemum Tea During Pregnancy

Drinking Herbal Tea while pregnant can be a hit-or-miss affair. Some types, including Peppermint Tea and, famously, Raspberry Leaf Tea, have well-documented pregnancy benefits.

Others - most notably Liquorice Root, Sage and Vervain Tea - should be avoided altogether as they might cause issues. Where does Chrysanthemum Tea for pregnancy stand? It’s complicated.

The reality is that not enough evidence has been accumulated to make a case either for or against it. Our recommendation, therefore, is to err on the side of caution and pick another variety.

As well as the ones mentioned, you could try Ginger Root Tea for easing morning sickness or Lemon Balm Tea - known as the “calming herb” - to alleviate mild stress and anxiety.

Summary to Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits and Side Effects

Chrysanthemum Tea uses are far-reaching. From fighting sleep deprivation to detoxifying the liver, improving skin health to promoting weight loss, the possibilities are almost endless.

It is nevertheless paramount that you take stock of reported side effects, however rare they might be. And, of course, when it comes to buying it, you can count on The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company.