Lotus Leaf Chrysanthemum Cassia Seed Tea

Why people make this tea

Some teas exist purely for pleasure. Others quietly look after the body at the same time. This three-ingredient tea falls firmly into the second category. Lotus leaf is traditionally one of the most cooling and mind-calming herbs in the Chinese repertoire — it is associated with clearing summer heat, reducing restlessness, supporting healthy blood lipids, and gently countering anxiety. Cassia seed (jue ming zi), particularly when roasted first to bring out its full flavour and make it brew more effectively, is one of the most studied traditional herbs for supporting eye health, reducing liver heat, and helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Chrysanthemum, in its concentrated foetal bud form (tai ju), is cooling and vision-supporting — a perennial favourite in Chinese food therapy for people who spend long hours in front of screens. Together these three ingredients make a tea that Nourilo recommends as a regular companion for office workers, people managing the “three highs” (high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar), and anyone who feels that stress and screen time are taking a toll on their eyes and peace of mind.

Method

1. If using raw cassia seeds (not pre-roasted), dry-toast them in a pan over medium heat for about 7 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Allow to cool.
2. Combine the lotus leaf tea, roasted cassia seeds, and chrysanthemum buds in a tea bag or directly in a teapot.
3. Pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
4. Pour and drink. The same ingredients can be re-steeped until the flavour fades.

Nourilo’s Tips

Lotus leaf tea (the roasted, shredded version sold as a tea product) is available at Chinese herbal shops — particularly in the Western District of Hong Kong. It has a clean fragrance and blends well without clashing with other herbs. If you cannot find it, use 3 teaspoons of dried hawthorn slices (shan zha) as a substitute. Cassia seeds need to be roasted for best results — this not only enhances their digestibility but releases their nutty, pleasant aroma. This tea is gentle and suitable for regular drinking by those managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or liver heat — but not for pregnant women or those with a cold constitution, who should limit intake.