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Shayuanzi White Chrysanthemum Tea

沙苑子白菊花茶
(Shayuanzi Bai Ju Hua Cha)

 

 

Shayuanzi–White Chrysanthemum Tea is a health tea prepared by decocting Shayuanzi (Astragalus complanatus seeds) with white chrysanthemum flowers.
 

Its primary functions are to nourish the liver and kidneys, reduce blood lipids, lower blood pressure, and improve vision.
It is commonly used as an adjunct therapy for hyperlipidemia and hypertension, especially when accompanied by dizziness or blurred vision.

 

TCM Functions

• Nourishes the liver and kidneys
• Reduces serum lipids
• Lowers blood pressure
• Brightens the eyes and improves vision

 

Indications

Used for hyperlipidemia and hypertension due to liver–kidney deficiency, accompanied by:

• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Soreness of the lower back
• Frequent urination

 

Ingredients

• Shayuanzi (沙苑子 / Astragalus complanatus seeds) – 30 g
• White Chrysanthemum (白菊花 / Chrysanthemum morifolium) – 10 g

 

Preparation

Decoct both ingredients with water until approximately 300 ml of medicinal tea is obtained.

 

Dosage

Divide into six portions and drink warm throughout the day.

 

Notes

Shayuanzi is also called Tongjili (潼蒺藜), the mature seeds of Astragalus complanatus.
Studies show that flavonoids extracted from Shayuanzi significantly reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, improve fatty liver, and increase HDL levels.
White chrysanthemum is both medicinal and edible and is known to lower triglycerides and support cardiovascular health.

 

Shayuanzi (沙苑子, Astragalus complanatus R. Br.)

Shayuanzi is the dried mature seed of Astragalus complanatus, an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine.

 

Major Functions & Actions

In TCM, Shayuanzi is sweet in flavor, warm in nature, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.

1) Tonifies the Kidneys and Supports Yang (补肾助阳)

Helps improve symptoms of:

• Kidney deficiency lower back pain
• Seminal emission, premature ejaculation
• Nocturnal urination, frequent urination

2) Stabilizes Essence & Astringes Urine (固精缩尿)

Useful for:

• Spermatorrhea
• Urinary incontinence

3) Nourishes Liver & Brightens the Eyes (养肝明目)

Improves:

• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Declining eyesight due to Liver–Kidney deficiency

4) Modern Pharmacological Effects

Shayuanzi contains abundant flavonoids, saponins, and vitamin C, showing:

• Antioxidant properties
• Anti-aging effects
• Sleep improvement
• Supportive effects in regulating blood lipids and pressure

 

Common Uses

Shayuanzi is often combined with other herbs.

● Shayuanzi Tea

With white chrysanthemum
→ For blood pressure / lipid regulation & eye health

 

● Shayuanzi Pork Liver Soup

Tonic soup for nourishing the liver, improving vision, and supporting Kidney essence

 

● Yubiao Wuzi Decoction (鱼鳔五子汤)

Shayuanzi + Cuscuta + Schisandra + Goji berry + Leek seed
→ Tonifies Kidney Yang, strengthens vision, supports reproductive health

 

Precautions

Contraindications

• Yin deficiency with heat signs (dry mouth, heat sensation)
• Urinary obstruction

Usage

• Should be used under guidance of a TCM practitioner
• Excess intake may cause heat signs or discomfort

Main Production Regions

Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Hebei, Gansu, Jilin, etc.

 

White Chrysanthemum (白菊花)

White chrysanthemum encompasses several white chrysanthemum cultivars used ornamentally and medicinally—especially in chrysanthemum tea.

 

Major Varieties & Uses

1) Hangbaiju (杭白菊)

• From Hangzhou region
• Highest medicinal value
• Unopened buds are called Taiju (胎菊), with similar effects
• Dried and used for tea
• Clears Liver heat and brightens the eyes
• Clears heat and detoxifies

2) Fubaiju (福白菊)

• Produced in Dabieshan area
• Common medicinal chrysanthemum
• Slightly milder than Hangbaiju

3) Ornamental Varieties

Example: Yaotai Yufeng (瑶台玉凤)

• Elegant floral varieties used for gardens and floral arrangements

 

Functions & Contraindications

Properties: sweet, bitter; cool to cold in nature.

Functions

• Clears Liver heat, brightens eyes
• Relieves headaches, red eyes, dryness, irritation
• Clears heat and detoxifies
• Supports the throat and fluids
• Helps regulate blood lipids with long-term moderate use

 

Contraindications

• Cold in the stomach and spleen
• People prone to diarrhea or abdominal cold should avoid excessive long-term use

 

How to Choose & Brew Chrysanthemum Tea

Selecting good-quality flowers

Recommended reliable TCM suppliers:

• Beijing Tongrentang (北京同仁堂)
• Kangmei Pharmaceutical (康美药业)

 

Brewing Method

1. Use about 5 g dried white chrysanthemum
2. Pour 500 ml hot water
3. Steep for 5 minutes
4. Drink when the tea turns light yellow
5. Optional additions:
   • Honey
   • Goji berries
   • Honeysuckle

 

Cultural Significance

Japan

White chrysanthemums symbolize purity and nobility; often used in weddings and ceremonies.

 

Chinese Cultural Context

White or yellow chrysanthemums are associated with:

• Mourning
• Memorial rituals
• Paying respects

Thus, they should be chosen carefully when given as gifts.