Top 5 Chinese Herbal Teas & Their Health Benefits
For centuries, Chinese herbal teas have been used to restore balance, enhance well-being, and promote longevity. Unlike regular teas, these medicinal brews contain powerful compounds that support digestion, immunity, circulation, and relaxation.
In this guide, we will explore the top 5 Chinese herbal teas, their health benefits, and how to prepare them at home for maximum effectiveness.
1. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶 – Jú Huā Chá)
Best for: Cooling the body, improving eye health, and reducing stress
Key Benefits
- Cools the body by clearing excess heat, helping with fevers, headaches, and skin irritation
- Supports eye health by reducing strain and dryness, especially for those exposed to screens
- Calms the mind by easing stress and mild tension headaches
- Boosts immunity with natural antibacterial and antiviral properties
How to Prepare
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried chrysanthemum flowers
- 2 cups hot water
- Optional: Honey or goji berries for added benefits
Instructions:
- Add dried chrysanthemum flowers to a cup.
- Pour hot water over the flowers and let them steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm.
Best Time to Drink: Afternoon or evening to cool the body and relax.
2. Ginger Tea (生姜茶 – Shēng Jiāng Chá)
Best for: Digestion, immunity, and circulation
Key Benefits
- Aids digestion by reducing bloating, nausea, and stomach discomfort
- Boosts immunity and helps fight colds and flu symptoms
- Reduces inflammation and can relieve joint pain and muscle soreness
- Improves circulation by promoting healthy blood flow and warming the body
How to Prepare
Ingredients:
- 1-2 slices of fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried ginger)
- 2 cups water
- Optional: Lemon, honey, or cinnamon
Instructions:
- Slice fresh ginger root and add it to a pot of boiling water.
- Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to extract its full benefits.
- Strain and drink warm.
Best Time to Drink: Morning or after meals to aid digestion.
3. Hawthorn Berry Tea (山楂茶 – Shān Zhā Chá)
Best for: Heart health, digestion, and circulation
Key Benefits
- Supports cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation and lowering cholesterol
- Aids digestion by breaking down fats and relieving indigestion
- Helps regulate blood pressure by improving arterial flexibility
- Contains antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and aging
How to Prepare
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried hawthorn berries
- 2 cups hot water
- Optional: Honey for sweetness
Instructions:
- Add hawthorn berries to a cup of hot water.
- Let them steep for 10-15 minutes to release their beneficial compounds.
- Strain and drink warm.
Best Time to Drink: After meals to aid digestion or in the evening for circulation support.
4. Goji Berry Tea (枸杞茶 – Gǒu Qǐ Chá)
Best for: Eye health, anti-aging, and energy boost
Key Benefits
- Supports eye health by nourishing the liver and reducing eye strain
- Boosts immunity with antioxidants and essential nutrients
- Promotes healthy skin by slowing down aging and improving hydration
- Increases energy and strengthens overall vitality
How to Prepare
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried goji berries
- 2 cups hot water
- Optional: Chrysanthemum flowers or honey
Instructions:
- Add goji berries to a cup of hot water.
- Let them steep for 5-10 minutes, allowing the berries to plump up.
- Drink warm and eat the berries for extra benefits.
Best Time to Drink: Morning for an energy boost or afternoon for eye support.
5. Licorice Root Tea (甘草茶 – Gān Cǎo Chá)
Best for: Cough relief, adrenal support, and soothing digestion
Key Benefits
- Soothes sore throat and acts as a natural cough remedy
- Supports adrenal health by helping the body recover from stress and fatigue
- Aids digestion by reducing bloating and improving gut health
- Balances energy and supports overall well-being
How to Prepare
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pieces dried licorice root
- 2 cups hot water
Instructions:
- Add licorice root to a pot with hot water.
- Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to extract its natural sweetness.
- Strain and drink warm.
Best Time to Drink: Evening for relaxation or during cold season.
Final Thoughts: Why Chinese Herbal Teas Are Essential for Health
Chinese herbal teas provide a natural, effective way to improve digestion, boost immunity, relieve stress, and support heart health. Whether you need an energy boost, immune defense, or digestive aid, there’s a herbal tea suited to your needs.
Which tea will you try first? Let us know in the comments.
FAQs
1. Can I drink Chinese herbal teas daily?
Yes, most Chinese herbal teas are safe for daily consumption. However, some potent herbs, like licorice root, should be consumed in moderation.
2. Are there any side effects of drinking herbal tea?
Generally, these teas are well-tolerated. However, some people may experience mild effects, such as lower blood pressure (licorice root) or digestive changes (hawthorn berry tea).
3. Can I mix different herbal teas together?
Yes. Some effective combinations include Goji Berry + Chrysanthemum for eye health and Ginger + Licorice for immune support.
4. Where can I buy high-quality Chinese herbal teas?
Purchase from trusted herbal shops, TCM stores, or reputable online herbal retailers. Always choose organic, pesticide-free herbs for the best results.
5. Which Chinese herbal tea is best for sleep?
Chrysanthemum tea and licorice root tea are excellent choices for calming the mind and improving sleep quality.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10582400/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7047282/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ginger-tea-benefitshttps://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root
https://academic.oup.com/fqs/article/4/4/193/5893636