Chrysanthemum Tea: Recipe, Detox Claims and Safety

Chrysanthemum tea is an infusion of dried chrysanthemum flowers and water; this cold-brew recipe takes 2 hours 5 minutes and yields about 2 cups (480 mL).

What is chrysanthemum tea?

Chrysanthemum tea is made by steeping edible, dried chrysanthemum flower heads in water and straining them out. It has a light floral flavor and, when made with chrysanthemum flowers alone, contains no caffeine.

It is one option among herbal detox tea drinks. The word “detox” describes a wellness use, not a proven ability to remove toxins from the body.

Choose dried chrysanthemum flowers sold specifically for brewing or eating. Flowers from a florist, garden center or roadside may have been treated with chemicals or exposed to contaminants and should not be used for tea.

How do you make chrysanthemum tea?

This refrigerated method makes a mild chrysanthemum tea without heating the water. Flower sizes vary, so the weight is approximate; use the cup measure as a guide and adjust the amount in a future batch if you prefer a different strength.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Steep time: 2 hours, refrigerated
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups (480 mL)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (about 2 g) food-grade dried chrysanthemum flower heads, loosely packed
• 2 cups (480 mL) drinking water

Steps

1. Measure the dried chrysanthemum flowers into a clean jar or covered pitcher.
2. Pour the drinking water over the flowers.
3. Cover the container and refrigerate for 2 hours.
4. Strain out the flowers and serve the chrysanthemum tea chilled.

For another customizable recipe, use the ai detox recipe generator.

The flowers absorb some water, so the strained yield may be a little less than the amount you started with. For a stronger flavor, steep the covered mixture in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before straining.

Keep the finished chrysanthemum tea refrigerated and drink it within 24 hours for best flavor. Discard it sooner if it becomes cloudy or slimy, or develops a sour smell. Store the unused dried flowers according to their package directions.

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What does chrysanthemum tea do for detox?

Chrysanthemum tea can contribute water to your daily fluid intake. Staying hydrated supports normal body functions, including those of the organs that process and eliminate waste.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification; the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste. Sweat removes only trace amounts. Chrysanthemum tea does not need to stimulate or replace any of these processes.

Human evidence is too limited to establish that chrysanthemum tea improves detoxification or removes toxins. Effects attributed to concentrated chrysanthemum ingredients should not be assumed to apply to the much more diluted drink.

Nutrition figures for raw chrysanthemum leaves also do not describe this tea: the recipe uses flowers, which are steeped and strained rather than eaten. The amount of any plant compounds in the finished drink has not been measured for this recipe.

How much chrysanthemum tea should you drink, and when?

There is no established medicinal dose or required time of day for chrysanthemum tea. If you enjoy it, you can have a serving with a meal or between meals as part of your usual fluid intake; there is no reason to drink it on an empty stomach for detox.

A 1-cup (240 mL) serving is approximately half this recipe. Start with a small serving if chrysanthemum is new to you, particularly if you have sensitivities to plants. If a clinician has advised you to limit fluids because of a medical condition, count the tea toward that limit.

What are the side effects of chrysanthemum tea?

Chrysanthemum can cause an allergic reaction, particularly in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed or chrysanthemums. Stop drinking it if you develop a rash, itching or other symptoms after having it. Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, giving chrysanthemum tea to a child, taking medication, or managing a medical condition, ask a clinician or pharmacist whether it is appropriate for you. Evidence on medicinal use and safety in these situations is limited; do not replace prescribed care or change medication because of the tea.

Chrysanthemum tea FAQs

These additional answers cover choosing and serving chrysanthemum tea.