China's Most Beloved Wellness Tea
Walk into any office, hospital waiting room, or home in Shanghai, and you'll likely find a glass of chrysanthemum and goji berry tea steeping on the desk. This iconic pairing — known in Chinese as 菊花枞杞茶 (jú huā gǒu qǐ chá) — is one of the most widely consumed wellness teas in China, and for good reason.
It is simple to prepare, naturally sweet, visually beautiful, and backed by both centuries of TCM tradition and a growing body of modern scientific research. At China Medical Concierge Shanghai (CMCS), it is one of the first teas our TCM physicians recommend to international patients looking to maintain their health after returning home from treatment in Shanghai.
The Two Stars: Chrysanthemum & Goji Berry
Chrysanthemum (菊花, Jú Huā)
In TCM, chrysanthemum is classified as a cool, sweet herb that enters the Liver and Lung meridians. It is primarily used to:
- Clear heat and calm inflammation
- Brighten the eyes and relieve eye strain
- Calm the liver and reduce headaches caused by liver Yang rising
- Gently detoxify and support respiratory health
Modern research has identified chrysanthemum as rich in flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and luteolin — compounds with documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Goji Berry (枞杞, Gǒu Qǐ)
Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are one of TCM's most celebrated tonic herbs, classified as sweet and neutral, entering the Liver, Kidney, and Lung meridians. They are used to:
- Nourish Liver and Kidney Yin
- Brighten the eyes and improve vision
- Replenish Jing (essence) and combat premature aging
- Support immune function through polysaccharides (LBP)
- Gently tonify blood
Goji berries are one of the most extensively researched TCM herbs, with studies confirming their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and anti-aging properties.
Top 7 Benefits of Chrysanthemum & Goji Berry Tea
- Powerful antioxidant protection: Both ingredients are exceptionally rich in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage — a key factor in aging and chronic disease prevention.
- Eye health support: This is the tea's most famous benefit in China. The combination of chrysanthemum's anti-inflammatory properties and goji berry's zeaxanthin content makes it a go-to remedy for digital eye strain, dry eyes, and age-related vision decline.
- Immune system support: Goji berry polysaccharides (LBP) have been shown in clinical studies to enhance immune cell activity, increase white blood cell count, and improve the body's response to infection.
- Liver health & detoxification: Chrysanthemum supports liver function and helps clear heat and toxins — particularly beneficial for patients who have undergone chemotherapy or prolonged medication use.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Both herbs contain compounds that reduce systemic inflammation — relevant for patients managing arthritis, autoimmune conditions, or post-surgical recovery.
- Stress relief & mental clarity: Chrysanthemum has a gentle calming effect on the nervous system, making this tea an excellent choice for managing the stress of medical travel and recovery.
- Skin health: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in both herbs support skin health from within — reducing redness, improving complexion, and slowing visible aging.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup
Classic Method (Hot)
- Place 8–10 dried chrysanthemum flowers and 15–20 goji berries in a glass teapot or large mug.
- Heat water to 85°C (185°F) — just below boiling. Boiling water can damage the delicate flavonoids in chrysanthemum.
- Pour water over the flowers and berries.
- Steep for 4–5 minutes.
- Drink as is, or add a small piece of rock sugar (冰糖) for natural sweetness.
- Refill with hot water 2–3 times — the goji berries and chrysanthemum can be re-steeped.
Summer Cold Brew Method
- Place chrysanthemum flowers and goji berries in a glass jar with 500ml cold water.
- Refrigerate for 6–8 hours or overnight.
- Strain and serve over ice.
- Add honey or lemon to taste.
Enhanced Immunity Blend
For extra immune support, add:
- 3–5 slices of dried astragalus root (Huang Qi)
- 2–3 red dates (pitted)
- A small piece of dried longan flesh
Simmer all ingredients together for 20 minutes for a deeply nourishing immunity tonic.
Who Should Drink This Tea?
Chrysanthemum and goji berry tea is suitable for most people, but is particularly beneficial for:
- Office workers and students with heavy screen time
- International patients recovering from treatment in Shanghai
- Anyone over 40 looking to support healthy aging
- Patients with liver conditions or on liver-metabolized medications (consult your doctor)
- Anyone seeking a daily antioxidant boost without caffeine
Who Should Exercise Caution?
- People with cold constitutions (always feeling cold, poor digestion) — chrysanthemum is cooling; balance with ginger or red dates
- Those with pollen allergies — chrysanthemum is a flower; start with a small amount
- Diabetics — goji berries contain natural sugars; monitor intake
Shop Chrysanthemum & Goji Berry Tea
Our TCM Wellness collection features premium dried chrysanthemum flowers (Hangzhou variety — the gold standard) and premium Ningxia goji berries, sourced from certified suppliers and packaged for international shipping.
Contact CMCS
Want to know which wellness tea is right for your specific health condition? Our medical concierge team can connect you with a Shanghai TCM specialist for personalized guidance.
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