This article explores the health benefits of chrysanthemum tea, its preparation, and its possible side effects. Take a look. Chrysanthemum flower tea is a concoction made from dried petals. Its taste is subtle, and the tea doesn’t leave any heavy or flowery flavor behind. Instead, it has a buttery undertone that tastes like honeysuckle or honey. Chrysanthemums are rich in several nutrients. In the next section, we take you through the nutritional profile of chrysanthemum flowers.
Nutritional Profile Of Chrysanthemum Flower
100 g of chrysanthemums contain (1): Chrysanthemums also contain minerals like copper, magnesium, sodium, potassium, manganese, calcium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. Besides, they contain flavonoids that are essential antioxidants. Chrysanthemums are low in fat and devoid of sugar, making their tea a healthy option. What are its health benefits? Scroll down to know more.
7 Potential Health Benefits Of Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemums release their nutrients when boiled in water. However, the nutrients are properly delivered to the body when the concoction is not boiled for too long. Chrysanthemum tea, when consumed fresh, may offer the following benefits.
- May Help Manage Anxiety Chrysanthemums contain chlorogenic acid (an antioxidant), which relieves oxidative stress on the brain. Stress is one of the major reasons for anxiety. It also may cause headaches and irritability (2). A study on mice suggests that chlorogenic acid has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects on the nerves (3). However, more extensive research and human trials are warranted to draw more concrete conclusions.
- May Help Maintain Cardiovascular Health As stated above, 100g of chrysanthemums contains 567 mg of potassium. Studies suggest that increased potassium intake may lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Besides, adequate potassium intake was found to reduce the risk of stroke by 24%(4). Hence, drinking chrysanthemum tea may help manage hypertension and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties Studies suggest chrysanthemum flowers contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant behavior (5). Besides, these flowers contain vitamin C, which also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps improve immunity. Moreover, patients given regular doses of vitamin C foods had shown fewer signs of inflammatory responses, including hypertension and rashes (6), (7).
- May Help Reduce The Risk Of Cancer Chrysanthemums have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Studies suggest that chrysanthemum extracts may protect against colon and prostate cancer by inducing the death of tumor cells (apoptosis) (8),(9). Besides, chrysanthemum flowers contain vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants fight and inactivate free radicals, which are one of the major reasons for the development of cancers (7),(10).
- Helps Promote Overall Health Vitamin A is available to the body as retinol and carotenoids, which help improve overall health.
Carotenoids are plant pigments available in most fruits and vegetables. They are digested by the body and then converted into 500 types of vitamin A. Beta-carotene (an antioxidant) is one of them (11). Retinoids are compounds present in dairy, meat, fish, and poultry products. They help produce the pigments in the retina of the eye (11).
Vitamin A in chrysanthemum tea promotes skin and hair health. It also promotes eyesight, especially in low light. Besides, vitamin A also helps maintain the strength of bones and soft tissues and plays a key role in healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding. Retinol has been shown to help delay skin aging (12). In addition, its antioxidant properties may help combat UV-induced skin aging. 6. May Help Promote Neurological Functions Chrysanthemum tea contains vitamin B6 and folate. Vitamin B6 helps maintain brain and cognitive functions and promotes the production of red blood cells. It also plays a major role in regulating brain glucose. Higher glucose levels in the brain tend to cause inflammation, impair brain and cognitive functions (13), (14). The body needs folate to make DNA and other genetic material, and its deficiency may impair cognitive functions and cause early-onset dementia. Folate is also essential in every step of fetal formation. Besides, it provides the much-needed strength for both the baby and the mother (15). 7. May Help Reduce PMS Symptoms Vitamin B6 and magnesium in chrysanthemums may help reduce mood swings and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Moreover, the combination of vitamin B6 and magnesium was found to be more effective in relieving PMS symptoms than magnesium alone (16). Another study also suggests that supplementing magnesium may be an effective option to treat the painful symptoms of PMS (17). Note: All these benefits are subject to the long-term consumption of chrysanthemum tea. Brewing herbal chrysanthemum tea is simple and does not take more than 10 minutes. Let’s understand how to prepare it.
How To Make Chrysanthemum Tea At Home
What You Need
2 teaspoons of dried chrysanthemum leaves A straining cloth (to be used as a tea bag) or a filter 3 cups of water Honey or natural sweetener to taste (optional)
How To Prepare Chrysanthemums have a persistent flavor that allows them to be used for up to three batches of tea. However, drinking excess chrysanthemum tea may pose certain health risks. Continue reading to know them.
Possible Side Effects And Allergies Of Chrysanthemum Tea
Daily intake of chrysanthemum tea is not advised as it has a cooling effect on the body. Of course, even though this can be seen as a positive, too much of anything can prove to be harmful. In addition, people allergic to ragweed may experience allergic reactions to chrysanthemum flowers too, like skin irritation, itchiness, rashes, redness, or itching upon drinking this tea. One study reported these allergies in workers of greenhouses growing chrysanthemum plants (18). Consult a physician immediately if any of these symptoms arise. Even though there aren’t enough scientific studies to prove this, excess intake of chrysanthemum tea may also increase your sensitivity to sunlight and cause sunburns. Hence, drinking it on alternate days or once every three days is advised. Does chrysanthemum tea make you sleepy? Yes, chrysanthemum tea can make you feel sleepy as it exhibits sedative effects. It has a relaxing effect on the body and can promote quality sleep. Is chamomile the same as a chrysanthemum? No, chamomile and chrysanthemum are not the same. However, they both come from the same Asteraceae family.
