What to steep with chrysanthemum for liver nourishment and protection
Chrysanthemum, when steeped with wolfberry, cassia seeds, dandelion, mulberry, hawthorn, and other ingredients, can have certain liver-nourishing and liver-protecting effects. Selection can be made according to individual needs. If you already have liver disease or symptoms of discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly; relying solely on dietary remedies may delay proper treatment.
1. Wolfberry: Rich in polysaccharides, wolfberry helps reduce oxidative liver damage. When combined with chrysanthemum, it nourishes the liver and kidneys while clearing heat to improve vision. This combination suits individuals who use their eyes extensively or suffer from yin deficiency in the liver and kidneys. The ratio of the two ingredients can be adjusted based on personal needs when preparing as a tea.
2. Cassia Seeds: Known for clearing liver heat, purging fire, moistening the intestines, and promoting bowel movements, cassia seeds enhance the liver-clearing effect when paired with chrysanthemum. It helps relieve redness, swelling, and pain in the eyes caused by excessive liver fire. Suitable for those with a hot constitution, but should be used cautiously or avoided by individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency and coldness.

3. Dandelion: Possessing properties of clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting diuresis, and reducing jaundice, dandelion, when combined with chrysanthemum, may assist in improving liver metabolism and reducing liver burden. Suitable for individuals with damp-heat constitution, though excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
4. Mulberry: Rich in anthocyanins and vitamins, mulberry nourishes liver yin, enriches blood, and moistens dryness. When paired with chrysanthemum, it balances liver nourishment with heat-clearing effects. Ideal for those with liver yin deficiency accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth and throat. Diabetic patients should limit intake.
5. Hawthorn: Known for aiding digestion, resolving food stagnation, promoting blood circulation, and removing blood stasis, hawthorn combined with chrysanthemum helps improve digestion and reduce fat accumulation, thereby alleviating metabolic stress on the liver. Suitable for those consuming greasy diets, but individuals with excessive stomach acid should use with caution.
For daily liver health, it's also important to maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late, eat a light diet by reducing high-fat and high-sugar foods, engage in moderate physical activity to strengthen overall health, and maintain emotional well-being to minimize negative emotions' impact on the liver.