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Thursday, 19 June 2008

Chrysanthemum Tea


When I was a child my mum used to brew us various concoctions; some were foul, others just bearable. One brew she made which I actually liked enough to drink happily is chrysanthemum tea. Whenever we ate too many fried foods or we got spots, the chrysanthemum tea would be made. It is regarded as a 'cooling' and detoxification herb, and is recommended for heat-related illnesses such as sore throats and fevers. It's also reported to treat influenza and colds. Now I'm not sure if I've mentioned it, but I've been struck down with the common cold...

You can buy dried chrysanthemum flowers from Chinese supermarkets. I added them to boiling water, and then simmered them for 15 minutes. Once strained, I added some rock sugar to taste. Once cooled, it makes for a very refreshing drink.

5 comments:

  1. does it taste similar to camomile tea?

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  2. I can't say really, I don't think I've ever had camomile tea. It's quite a flowery (duh) taste...

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  3. I have had this at Jen's cafe on occasion but, although it looks so pretty, I much prefer the strong and smoky taste of a good Oolong!

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  4. but do you feel better?

    if not,then my advice is just to get drunk, you might as well feel rotten for a reason!

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  5. Hi Kavey,

    I couldn't really compare it with oolong tea, as chrysanthemum isn't something I'd think of drinking with a meal.

    Mrs G - I beat my cold in record time! It could have been the chrysanthemum... or the Night Nurse I'm now addicted to!

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