Can honeysuckle and chrysanthemum be steeped together in hot water for drinking?
Jun 20, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Chaohui
Introduction
Generally speaking, honeysuckle and chrysanthemum can be steeped together in hot water for drinking, but moderation is essential. Honeysuckle possesses heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, while chrysanthemum helps to dispel wind-heat, subdue hyperactive liver yang, clear the liver and improve vision, and also exhibits heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. However, caution is advised: the infusion should not be overly concentrated or consumed in excessive quantities, as both herbs are cold in nature; excessive intake may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) helps disperse wind-heat and clear heat-toxins from the blood. It is also effective in alleviating symptoms such as fever, headache, irritability, insomnia, dry throat, and sore or swollen throat caused by external wind-heat invasion or early-stage febrile diseases.
Can honeysuckle and chrysanthemum be steeped together?
Generally speaking, honeysuckle and chrysanthemum can be steeped together, but moderation is essential. Honeysuckle possesses heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, while chrysanthemum offers benefits including wind-heat dispersion, liver-calming, vision-improving, and heat-clearing detoxification. Modern pharmacological studies indicate that chrysanthemum contains various bioactive compounds—such as flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, choline, chrysanthemum pigments, and volatile oils—that confer antibacterial, antiviral, antipyretic, and anti-aging effects. Both herbs share heat-clearing, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory actions and may help relieve sore throat and other symptoms associated with “excess heat” (a Traditional Chinese Medicine concept). Therefore, combining them in tea is generally acceptable. However, caution is advised: the infusion should not be overly concentrated nor consumed excessively, as both herbs are cold in nature and excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Knowledge Expansion: Health Benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea
1. Heat-Clearing and Detoxification
Chrysanthemum is a mildly cold herb that effectively clears heat and eliminates toxins, commonly used to treat furuncles and carbuncles. Individuals prone to constipation, oral ulcers, or gingival swelling—symptoms often attributed to “excess heat”—may benefit from moderate consumption of chrysanthemum tea to clear internal heat and alleviate heat-related symptoms. Additionally, its rich aroma helps invigorate the mind and relax tense nerves.
2. Liver-Yang Regulation
Chrysanthemum clears liver heat and calms hyperactive liver-yang, making it useful for treating headaches and dizziness caused by liver-yang rising. It also dispels wind-heat and is indicated for symptoms of wind-heat感冒 (wind-heat invasion), such as fever, headache, and cough. Furthermore, tannins present in chrysanthemum tea promote gastrointestinal motility and stimulate gastric juice secretion, thereby helping relieve constipation.
3. Vascular Protection
For individuals predisposed to hypertension, moderate consumption of chrysanthemum tea may help dilate coronary arteries and increase coronary blood flow. It also provides adjunctive benefits for conditions such as hyperlipidemia and coronary heart disease. Moreover, regular, moderate intake promotes fluid circulation and metabolic activity, aiding in the elimination of metabolic waste products.
The above outlines whether honeysuckle and chrysanthemum can be safely combined in tea. We hope this information proves helpful.
