Herbal Teas
Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea
Chrysanthemum and goji berry tea is a traditional Chinese herbal tea originating from the classic text Good Prescriptions of Chinese Medicine. Chrysanthemum, slightly cold in nature, disperses wind-heat and calms the liver to improve vision. Goji berries, neutral in nature and sweet in taste, nourish the liver and kidneys and brighten the eyes. One clears, one nourishes – this classic combination clears liver-fire while replenishing liver-yin, embodying the principle of "clearing and tonifying simultaneously". The tea has a clear, pale yellow color, with a delicate floral aroma and a sweet, refreshing aftertaste. It is especially suitable for modern individuals who spend long hours in front of computers and phones, experiencing dry, tired eyes. It is an indispensable "eye-care companion" in the office and at home.
Main Ingredients
- Dried chrysanthemum flowers (Hangzhou white chrysanthemum or fetal chrysanthemum preferred) 5-10g (about 5-10 flowers)
- Goji berries (Ningxia goji preferred) 10-15g (about 15-20 berries)
- Boiling water 300-500ml
- Rock sugar to taste
Steps
Quickly rinse the chrysanthemum flowers and goji berries with water to remove surface dust.
Place the rinsed chrysanthemum and goji berries into a teapot or cup, and pour in freshly boiled water.
Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes to allow the fragrance and sweetness to fully release. If using a thermos, steep for about 15 minutes.
When the tea cools to below 60°C (not scalding), add honey or rock sugar to taste.
It is recommended to drink 1-2 cups per day. Consume immediately after brewing and avoid leaving it for too long. Can be re-brewed 5-7 times.
TCM Notes
Liver-clearing & vision-improving (core benefit): Flavonoids in chrysanthemum inhibit capillary inflammation in the eyes, reducing congestion from eye strain. Beta-carotene in goji berries converts to vitamin A in the body, participating in the synthesis of rhodopsin in retinal photoreceptor cells and improving dark adaptation. Together, they effectively relieve dry eyes and blurred vision. Nourishing the liver and kidneys: Goji berry polysaccharides nourish liver and kidney yin, improving symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, and weak knees caused by liver-kidney yin deficiency. Clearing heat and reducing fire: Chrysanthemum clears liver-fire and disperses wind-heat, relieving red, swollen, painful eyes, headaches, dizziness, and irritability caused by exuberant liver-fire. Nutrient-rich: Contains betaine, amino acids, carotene, vitamins B1, B2, C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other nutrients. Antioxidant & anti-aging: Flavonoids in chrysanthemum and polysaccharides in goji berries help scavenge free radicals.
Suitable for：Office workers and students who use computers and phones for long periods (eye strain, dry eyes, vision fatigue) Those with exuberant liver-fire (red, swollen eyes, bitter dry mouth, irritability) Those with liver-kidney yin deficiency (dizziness, blurred vision, weak knees, tinnitus) Those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol (adjunctive support) General population for daily wellness
Not suitable for：Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold (Use with caution!)：Symptoms include cold intolerance, abdominal pain, loose stools, stomach pain after eating cold foods – chrysanthemum is slightly cold in nature and may worsen deficiency-cold symptoms. If consuming, reduce chrysanthemum to 3-5g and add 2-3 red dates or a little rock sugar to balance the cold nature. Those with wind-cold colds (Avoid!)：Symptoms include chills, fever, thin white phlegm, clear runny nose – the cooling tea will worsen the condition. Those with diarrhea or acute enteritis (Avoid!)：Chrysanthemum has a mild laxative effect that may aggravate diarrhea. Those with yang deficiency or cold extremities (Use with caution)：The tea is cooling and may worsen yang deficiency symptoms. Pregnant women (Use with caution)：Chrysanthemum is cold in nature – excessive consumption may cause abdominal discomfort. Those with heat constitution or hypertension (Limit intake)：Goji berries are strongly nourishing – excessive consumption may cause上火 (excessive internal heat). Teenagers under 18 (Limit intake)：Plant hormones in goji berries may affect endocrine balance.
