The healthiest beverage for humans is tea, and the most classic drink for women is flowers. Thus, the ancients had a saying, "The finest drink tea, the supreme drink flowers." The practice of drinking flowers instead of tea originates from the beauty habits of ancient court nobles.
Before the emergence of tea in India and China, floral teas were widely consumed by women in imperial courts and noble families.
In the 16th century, women were also accustomed to carrying small sachets of flowers on their persons to prevent bacterial infections and for their aromatic effects. At that time, flowers were also used as medicinal ingredients in cooking; the first Chinese herbal medicine book, "Shennong Ben Cao Jing," records over three hundred medicinal substances, including a large number of flower varieties with beautifying and health-preserving effects. Empress Dowager Xiao of the Liao-Jin era often brewed golden lotus flowers to drink, which resulted in fair skin and a youthful appearance even in middle age. The drinking of floral teas was very prevalent in the Qing court, with golden lotus flowers picked from the areas beyond the Great Wall being especially prized. Emperor Kangxi wrote an inscription in his own praise, "Golden Lotus Reflecting the Sun," and listed it as a tribute to the court. In his "Imperial Compilation of the Rehe River," Emperor Qianlong named the golden lotus flower "the finest among flowers."
From the records in the "Shennong Ben Cao Jing," it can be seen that many flowers not only have direct beautifying effects but also help regulate the body's functions, enhance immunity, and delay aging. Drinking floral tea is the most natural way for women to maintain their health and beauty, and also the best method for purifying the body.
Eight Edible Flowers
There are many types of floral teas suitable for women; here are several common varieties for the reference of all女性朋友:
Chrysanthemum: Nature is cooling, flavor is sweet and bitter. It can be used for beauty, to expel wind-dampness, stop dizziness, and improve eyesight.
Jasmine: Nature is cooling, fragrance is light and subtle. It can relieve bloating.
Rose: Nature is cooling, fragrance is pleasant. It can be used for beauty, to invigorate blood, regulate qi, and promote circulation.
Golden Lotus: Flavor is sweet with a slight bitterness. It can be used for beauty, to clear heat and detoxify.
Osmanthus: Nature is cooling, fragrance is sweet. It can improve eyesight and stop bad breath.
Rose: Nature is neutral, fragrance is light. It can relieve summer heat and expel toxins.
Gladiolus: Nature is cooling, fragrance is pleasant. It can relieve depression, unblock meridians, and dissolve phlegm.
Begonia: Moisturizes the skin.
What to Pay Attention to When Drinking Floral Tea
Traditional Chinese medical texts clearly state that all flowers are of a cooling nature. Women are considered to have a 'yin' constitution, and 'yin' is associated with coldness. This means that cooling herbs are used to treat 'heat' illnesses. Those with a 'cold' constitution who drink floral tea should add some 'warming' ingredients to balance the medicinal properties and enhance its effects. For example: add goji berries to chrysanthemum tea; add a few drops of red wine to rose tea; add licorice to osmanthus tea.
Remember not to drink a single type of flower, as excessive consumption can easily lead to weakness, allergies, coughing, or increased vaginal discharge. How to Prepare Floral Tea
Tear open the tea bag, first take out the honey packet, pour the floral material into a transparent glass cup, then tear open the honey packet and add the honey. Pour in about 1/3 of boiling water, gently swirl to dissolve the honey, then fill the cup to the top. Your floral tea is ready. A cup of floral tea can be re-brewed and consumed throughout the day. If stored in a cool place, it will not spoil and can be brewed again the next day.
Floral tea brewed in the summer tastes and feels even more unique after being chilled. If you're interested, you should give it a try.