Herbal & Flower Teas
Green Luo Flower Tea
Traditionally taken to support healthy heart, blood pressure and blood sugar
Why people make this tea
Green luo flower grows in the cold regions of Tibet and is slightly cooling in nature. It is traditionally associated with supporting the heart, blood pressure, blood sugar and various vessel concerns. Because it grows for only a short time each year, it is regarded as a precious Tibetan plant. Bro Niu likes to brew it simply with a little honey — a clean, gentle infusion that is easy to prepare and light on the palate.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People wanting a light, simple brew to support heart, blood-pressure and blood-sugar health
- Cooling in nature, so best in moderation; Bro Niu would not recommend it as a daily long-term tonic
- If you take medication, space the tea about 1 to 2 hours from your medicine
- Those with diabetes may add a little dried guava to the brew
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Green luo flower (lü luo hua): a cooling Tibetan plant traditionally associated with supporting the heart and vessels, blood pressure and blood sugar.
- Honey (mi tang): softens the brew’s plainness and adds a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients (1 pot, about 2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green luo flower | 5 flowers | |
| Honey | to taste | Stirred in after steeping |
Method
- Put the green luo flowers in a teapot.
- Pour in boiling water and steep, covered, for about 7 minutes.
- Stir in honey to taste and drink.
Bro Niu’s tips
This tea is light in flavour and traditionally regarded as helpful for sore throat and feverish restlessness. To brew it stronger, some people simmer 8 flowers with a few slices of dried guava in 4 cups of water for about 10 to 15 minutes, reduced to 2 cups. Store the flowers in a cool place — no need to refrigerate; tucking a small pouch of Sichuan peppercorns into the container helps keep pests away. Green luo flower is available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Lucia): Is green luo flower warming or cooling, and could long-term daily drinking be harmful? Bro Niu: It can reduce inflammation, so its nature is on the cooling side. Its effects haven’t been long-verified, so Bro Niu wouldn’t recommend it as an everyday long-term health tea.
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Q (Anita Fong): If someone has kidney trouble and diabetes, can they drink green luo flower tea? Bro Niu: Yes, those with diabetes and kidney issues can drink it in moderation.
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Q (Katies): Can I simmer guava, bitter melon and green luo flower together? Bro Niu: Yes — simmer bitter melon, guava and green luo flower together in water for about 15 minutes, three times a week. Also cut back on starchy and sweet foods, and be patient with the adjustment.
Published August 15, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
