Herbal & Flower Teas
Golden Monk Fruit Chrysanthemum Tea
Traditionally associated with clearing liver heat, soothing the throat, and supporting clear eyes
Why people make this tea
There are many kinds of chrysanthemum for tea — hang ju, tai ju, chu ju, gong ju, hao ju and more. Hang ju (also called gan ju) is the most common; chrysanthemum buds (tai ju) are the unopened buds of hang ju, more fragrant and clean-tasting. Bro Niu often keeps tai ju on hand to brew with goji and American ginseng, which suits anyone glued to a phone or computer all day. This Golden Monk Fruit Chrysanthemum Tea is traditionally favoured to clear liver heat, soothe the throat, and ease headache and red eyes — handy when a cold and sore throat are just starting.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who spend long hours on screens, or who feel a sore throat coming on at the start of a cold.
- Not suitable for those with a cold, weak spleen and stomach, as this tea is on the cooling side.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Golden monk fruit (luo han guo): Slow-roasted so many of its beneficial compounds are retained, with a clean, sweet taste that suits brewing better than ordinary monk fruit.
- Chrysanthemum buds (tai ju): Traditionally associated with clearing liver heat, supporting clear eyes, and gentle antioxidant qualities.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golden monk fruit | 1/4 fruit | Crushed |
| Chrysanthemum buds (tai ju) | 1 tablespoon |
Method
- Crush the golden monk fruit.
- Place it with the chrysanthemum buds in a teapot.
- Rinse once with boiling water, then pour in fresh boiling water.
- Cover and steep 7–8 minutes. Re-steep until the flavour fades.
Bro Niu’s tips
Because golden monk fruit is slow-roasted, its beneficial substances are less easily lost, and its clean sweetness makes it nicer for tea than ordinary monk fruit. But this tea is not suitable for those with a cold, weak spleen and stomach.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (PT): I have heat in my palms and wake in the middle of the night — is this tea suitable to drink daily? Bro Niu: You may have some liver deficiency with internal heat; this tea can be taken, and to clear liver heat you can add 1 tablespoon of mai dong. Any food therapy, however good, should be taken in moderation — every other day is more sensible so the body does not become dependent.
- Q (Joey): Is snow chrysanthemum (xue ju) only for steeping as tea? Does it clear heat? Bro Niu: Snow chrysanthemum is traditionally associated with clearing liver heat, brightening the eyes, and helping with the “three highs.” It is generally best steeped as tea and should not be boiled long.
- Q (Jessica): My 8-year-old sweats a lot with even slight activity, with a bit of sweat odour. How can this improve? Bro Niu: Some children have very active sweat glands and sweat easily; if there is sweat odour it is normal perspiration, no need to worry. You can put pan-roasted fu xiao mai in a tea bag and brew it as a drink to help reduce sweating.
Published October 13, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
