Chrysanthemum Tea (Ju Hua Cha / 菊花茶)
Ancient Chinese — mentioned in texts from the Han dynasty
Dried chrysanthemum flowers brewed in hot water as a 'tea' — technically a tisane, not a tea from Camellia sinensis. A staple Chinese health drink believed to cool the body (qing re), reduce inflammation, and benefit eyesight. The most prized variety is Hangzhou White Chrysanthemum (Hangbai Ju) — small, pure white, intensely fragrant. Often blended with pu-erh (ju pu or gong ting pu er blend) to balance the earthiness of aged tea.