๐บ Flower & Herbal Teas (่ฑ่่ถ): Fragrance, Healing, and Tradition
While not made from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), herbal and floral infusions are an essential part of Chinese tea culture โ used for relaxation, beauty, and healing for thousands of years.
๐ต What Is a โTeaโ in This Case?
Also called tisanes, these are caffeine-free infusions of flowers, herbs, fruits, seeds, or roots.
They are often:
- Sipped for wellness (e.g. cooling the body, aiding digestion)
- Combined with green or white tea for scent and flavor
- Steeped alone for natural beauty and comfort
๐ผ Popular Chinese Herbal and Flower Teas
- Chrysanthemum Tea (่่ฑ่ถ) โ cooling, floral, and great for tired eyes or hot weather
- Goji Berry Tea (ๆธๆ่ถ) โ often combined with red dates; supports vision and vitality
- Lotus Leaf Tea (่ทๅถ่ถ) โ used for digestion and weight balance
- Rosebud Tea (็ซ็ฐ่ฑ่ถ) โ gently aromatic, promotes skin health and calm
- Ginger Tea (ๅง่ถ) โ warming and invigorating, great in cold weather
๐ถ How to Brew
- Use hot water (90โ100ยฐC)
- Steep 3โ5 minutes, depending on the strength desired
- Many herbal teas can be boiled or simmered for greater potency
๐ฟ Cultural Role
Herbal teas are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and daily life. They’re often served in the home, in teahouses, or in wellness routines โ a perfect reflection of the Chinese belief that food and drink should be healing.
๐ก Did You Know?
- Chrysanthemum tea is served during banquets and to guests as a sign of hospitality.
- In summer, youโll often find iced herbal teas sold on the streets of southern China.