Apple, Chrysanthemum & Dried Fig Tea

Why people make this tea

As the air turns drier in autumn, many people notice their skin, throat, and nose feeling parched. In traditional food therapy, autumn is the season most associated with the lungs, and dryness is considered the characteristic challenge of the season. This quick four-ingredient tea is one of Bro Niu’s go-to autumn preparations — simple enough to make on a weekday morning, yet genuinely pleasant to drink. Keeping the apple skin on is intentional: apple skin contains quercetin, a natural antioxidant that is thought to help protect lung tissue from environmental irritants. Just make sure to soak the apple briefly in hot water first and scrub it clean, since the skin may carry wax or residue.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for the whole family, including children, as a refreshing seasonal tea
• Particularly helpful during the warm, dry days of late summer and early autumn
• Pregnant women may drink this, though Bro Niu recommends caution with flower teas in general during pregnancy — chrysanthemum is considered relatively safe, but do not drink in large amounts

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Apple (ping guo): Traditionally considered mildly cooling and moistening; particularly good for the lungs and intestines. The skin contains quercetin, linked in modern food science to antioxidant protection for lung tissue.
• Chrysanthemum flowers (ju hua): One of the most popular flowers in Chinese herbal teas; traditionally associated with clearing liver heat, calming the eyes, and dispersing wind-heat.
• Dried figs (wu hua guo): A mild, naturally sweet fruit used in Cantonese cooking to soothe the throat, moisten the lungs, and support bowel movement.
• Honey dates (mi zao): Add a pleasant natural sweetness and are traditionally associated with nourishing the spleen and calming the spirit.

Ingredients (2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Apple	1 medium	Skin on; soak briefly in hot water and scrub before use; core removed, cut into chunks
Chrysanthemum flowers	1 tablespoon	Rinsed
Dried figs	3 pieces	Rinsed
Honey dates	2 pieces	Rinsed
Water	4 bowls (~800 mL)

Method

1. Soak the apple briefly in hot water, then scrub the skin clean; remove the core and cut into chunks.
2. Rinse the chrysanthemum flowers, dried figs, and honey dates.
3. Place all ingredients into a small pot with 4 bowls of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the liquid reduces to around 2 bowls.
5. Serve warm. Suitable for all ages.

Bro Niu’s tips

Apple skin contains a natural antioxidant called quercetin, which is thought to help protect the lungs from environmental pollutants. It is worth keeping the skin on — just clean it thoroughly first. Since apples are often coated in wax and may have been treated with pesticides, soaking briefly in warm water and then scrubbing with a brush is a good habit before eating any apple with the skin.

If you prefer to use German chamomile (German Matricaria) instead of Chinese chrysanthemum, do not boil it — instead, brew the rest of the ingredients normally, then add the chamomile and steep off the heat for 5 minutes before drinking.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Bobby): Can German chamomile be used instead of Chinese chrysanthemum in this recipe? Should it be simmered or added at the end? Bro Niu: Yes, chamomile can be used. Do not boil it — brew the rest of the ingredients first (including pear if using), then add the chamomile while still hot and steep for 5 minutes before drinking.

• Q (anonymous — pregnant reader): I am 5 months pregnant and have been sneezing every morning from nasal sensitivity. Can I drink anything to help? Bro Niu: During pregnancy, I would avoid using xin yi hua (magnolia bud). Instead, try making a simple purple perilla, ginger, and brown sugar tea — it has a warming, wind-dispersing effect and is considered safe for pregnancy. For clearing foetal heat from 6 months onwards, white lotus stamen and honey dates brewed as a tea is a gentle option.

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Published August 17, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.