Herbs - Chrysanthemum (Flos Chrysanthemi)

When we talk about chrysanthemum flowers, many people expected flat yellow flowers that easily distegrates when soaked with boiled water. Aha... That is because you have bought the lower quality type. They are cheap, no doubt, but they also become easily bland in taste after the 2nd round of boiling water. But this.... this is a very beautiful species. Beautiful in taste, in sight and in function.

The herb is chiefly produced in the provinces of Zhejiang, Anhui, Henan and Sichuan, collected when the flower is in full blossom, and dried in the shade for use.

Chinese medicine uses it in expelling wind, clearing away heat, calming the liver and improving acuity of vision. As the herb is slightly cold in nature and acts on the lung and liver channels, it suits our consumption best during the time of haze like now.

When you are buying them from the herbal store, make sure you emphasize for high quality chrysanthemum which should look like the picture below when it is dry.

And not like the one below:

When soaked in hot water, the flower will expand into a full yellow bloom. Isn't that beautiful..

Preparation for a honey chrysanthemum drinks:
1. Put 2-3 tablespoons of dried chrysanthemum into a 500ml pot.
2. Blanch the flowers with hot water and drained.
3. Pour in hot water and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
4. Pour 3 teaspoons of honey.
5. To beautify your presentation, pour the drinks into a see-through glass and voila!