Introduction
Do you know about Li Ziqi from China? In her videos, Li Ziqi has frequently showcased the process of making herbal tea, featuring varieties such as chrysanthemum tea, rose tea, and honeysuckle tea. In fact, China has a long-standing tradition of drinking herbal tea, initially used for medicinal purposes. By the Tang and Song dynasties, several floral teas had already become popular daily beverages.
Chinese herbal tea is an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and daily life. Unlike conventional China tea (such as green tea, black tea, or oolong tea), Chinese herbal tea is made from various medicinal herbs, flowers, roots, seeds, and fruits. Each type of herbal tea has unique health benefits and serves different wellness purposes. It is widely consumed to promote health, prevent diseases, and treat various ailments.
The Most Famous Chinese Herbal Tea: Chrysanthemum Tea
One of the most well-known herbal teas in China is chrysanthemum tea, which remains popular today. It is a type of tea made from dried chrysanthemum flowers. The production process includes picking fresh flowers, drying them in the shade, sun-drying, steaming, and roasting. According to ancient texts, chrysanthemum has a sweet and slightly bitter taste and is known for its cooling properties. It helps to dispel wind-heat, clear the liver and eyes, and detoxify inflammation.
Chrysanthemum tea originated in the Tang Dynasty and became widely used in everyday life by the Qing Dynasty. Chrysanthemum itself has been cultivated in China for over 2,500 years, with more than 3,000 varieties. It is one of the most extensively grown traditional flowers in China, used not only for ornamental gardening but also for medicinal and tea purposes. Historical records indicate that people in the Tang Dynasty had already developed the habit of drinking chrysanthemum tea.
The Evolution of Floral Teas in China
By the Yuan and Ming dynasties, jasmine tea, lotus tea, and rose tea began to emerge. Some of these tea varieties involved drying petals or flower stamens before brewing, while others were made through more complex methods. One method involved sealing fresh flowers with tea leaves so that the tea would absorb the floral aroma. The final product was tea infused with a rich floral fragrance but without the actual flowers, like the lotus tea featured in Li Ziqi's videos or the jasmine tea beloved by many older generations.
Today, the method remains largely the same—using hot water to brew dried flowers. Often, these herbal teas are blended with other ingredients like cassia seeds or mulberry leaves, offering not only health benefits but also an immersive sensory experience.
How to Brew Chinese Herbal Tea
Chinese herbal teas are generally brewed using glass cups, porcelain cups, or ceramic teapots with lids. They should be steeped for 2–5 minutes to release their beneficial compounds and floral aroma before drinking. However, they are not suitable for brewing in Yixing clay teapots.
Since all types of tea in the herbal category are unfermented and primarily made from tender, uncontaminated flower buds and petals, the water temperature should not be too high. The ideal brewing temperature is 80–90°C (176–194°F). Avoid using a thermos or insulated mug, as prolonged exposure to high and consistent heat can rapidly destroy the vitamins and aromatic compounds in herbal tea, leading to a darker color and bitter taste.
Additionally, during the brewing process, it is best to keep the cup or teapot covered to retain the aroma and flavor of the tea.
Tips for Enjoying Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is best enjoyed plain, without milk. It is recommended to drink it without sugar or with only a small amount of honey to preserve its natural fragrance and flavor.
Today, herbal tea has become a widely popular beverage for people of all ages. Some drink it for its tea tea health benefits, while others enjoy its taste. Many people appreciate its visual appeal, while others love the romantic and tranquil feeling it brings. In Ningxia, for example, people love drinking chrysanthemum tea in the summer because of its beautiful appearance and China tea health benefits.
However, when drinking herbal tea, certain precautions should be taken:
-
Stick to well-known, classic tea varieties.
-
Purchase from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.