Chrysanthemum Tea

Ingredients
(Serves 2)

50g dried chrysanthemum flowers
10g licorice (liquorice) roots (aka gan zao) - About 8 pieces*
1.5 litre water
rock sugar, about 50g (adjust according to your preference)

* skip this if you are pregnant or have high-blood pressure

Directions

In a pot, add chrysanthemum, licorice roots and water, bring to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, add rock sugar to taste and off fire (do not boil for too long). Take out the chrysanthemum flowers and licorice roots using a strainer. You may re-use the ingredients by adding water and boiling to brew a second round if you wish.

Drink chilled or at room temperature.

Tips
- You can also add 1 tsp of wolfberries if desired.
- There are some types of chrysanthemum flowers which do not require boiling; simply place the ingredients in a cup/tea pot, pour boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes. However, I prefer to bring the ingredients to a brief boil to let the flavours seep in.

Some Possible Benefits of Chrysanthemum

- quench thirst - detoxify the body - aid in recovery from influenza, mild sunstroke - ‘cooling’ property which regulates the body’s ‘yin and yang’, reducing internal body heat

Some Possible Benefits of Licorice Root

- fight inflammation, infections, and allergies - help soothe coughs and colds - improve digestion - ease menstrual cramps

Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶)