Chrysanthemum flowers (Jua Hua) have been used in Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years dating as far back as the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The cooling properties of the dried flowers reduce inflammation in the body and detoxify the liver making this golden infusion a wonderful Spring tonic for hay fever related eye and throat irritation and as part of any detoxification program. It also aids digestion making it a more unusual alternative to jasmine or green tea alongside food.
Avoid during pregnancy and if a known history of flower, particularly daisy allergies.
Chrysanthemums contain:
– Potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron
– Vitamin C to boost the immune system and relieve sinus congestion
– Beta-carotene which converts to Vitamin A which is another boost to the immune system and the skin
The dried flowers are readily available from most Chinese herbal pharmacies but steer clear of the sachets stocked in some Chinese supermarkets as they are granules containing sugar rather than a pure medicinal brew.
To make your infusion, boil fresh filtered water and allow to cool for a minute. Pour into a pot with a few dried chrysanthemum flowers and steep for 5 minutes, strain and add a little honey if desired.
