Osmanthus tea originated in China. Osmanthus is a flowering plant in the family Oleaceae, and its flowers grow in small panicles. They are also used in skincare and touted for its many health benefits.
Osmanthus tea is caffeine-free and has a floral and fruity aroma. Dried Osmanthus flower buds are used to make Osmanthus tea. You can have it plain or blend it with green, black, or oolong tea. It is used in herbal medicines to help mask any undesirable taste.
12 Benefits of Drinking Osmanthus Tea
Osmanthus tea is not only sweet and flavorful but has abundant health benefits. These are 12 Osmanthus tea benefits.
1. Reduces oxidative stress
According to a study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Osmanthus flowers reduce oxidative stress in animals. Osmanthus tea has a mild sedative effect, so it helps relax the mind, as well as improve brain function.
2. Reduces phlegm and stasis
According to another study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Osmanthus reduces phlegm and stasis in animals. Stasis is the slowdown or stoppage in the flow of blood and other body fluids.
3. May treat allergies
Osmanthus tea contains anti-allergic agents. It helps reduce congestion in the throat, as well as mucus caused by inflamed lungs.
4. May ease menstrual pain
Osmanthus tea may help reduce menstrual pain. It is beneficial to treat stomach aches and diarrhea. It also improves digestion, treats intestinal diseases, and reduces bloating and gas.
5. Detoxifying effect
Osmanthus flower tea helps your body get rid of toxins present in the kidneys and liver, and makes you feel fresh and energized. In Chinese medicine, it is used as a strong cleansing agent. It is helpful in treating issues related to the kidneys, liver, and the endocrine system.
6. Combats free radicals
According to a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, osmanthus has a good amount of phenolic acid. Phenolic acid acts as a natural source of antioxidants. It combats free radicals that may cause cataracts or cell damage. Free radicals also cause chronic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.
According to a review published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, a diet rich in polyphenols reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
7. Prevents bad breath
Osmanthus tea prevents bad breath. You can use it as a mouthwash in the morning.
8. Suppresses appetite
According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, inhaling the aroma of osmanthus tea may curb your appetite. The fragrance of Osmanthus decreases the activity of appetite-stimulating brain chemicals. It also increases the activity of appetite-suppressing brain chemicals. Therefore, it may help curb binge eating and aid weight loss.
9. May help protect insulin-producing cells
According to an article published in the Journal of Natural Medicines, Osmanthus flowers have vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide. This vitamin helps your body convert carbohydrates into energy. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, niacinamide may help protect insulin-producing cells in type-1 diabetics.
10. Benefits the skin and eyes
Osmanthus tea is good for enhancing eyesight. Regular consumption of the tea helps to moisturize the skin. Osmanthus tea also enhances skin tone and color. Some skincare products for topical application contain Osmanthus essential oil.
11. Provides vital nutrients
Osmanthus tea contains cobalt, selenium, manganese, and molybdenum. It contains trans-alpha-carotene, trans-beta-carotene, and neo-beta-carotene B. The tea relieves fatigue and prevents drowsiness.
12. Helps treat rheumatism
According to a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, Osmanthus helps treat rheumatism. It also prevents platelet aggregation.
Traditional Chinese medicine, recommends osmanthus tea for pregnant women. However, it is always better to consult your doctor first if you want to drink it during pregnancy.
4 Healthy Osmanthus Tea Recipes
Osmanthus flowers have a concentrated flavor. You should add only a teaspoon of Osmanthus flowers to make Osmanthus tea. You can then increase the amount according to taste.
1. Simple Osmanthus Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of dried osmanthus flowers
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- Boiling water
Directions
Put the dried Osmanthus flowers in a cup. Pour boiling water into the cup. Cover the cup and let the flowers steep for two to three minutes.
Add honey and stir. Serve.
2. Osmanthus Oolong Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 grams of oolong tea
- 1 gram of dried osmanthus flowers
Directions
Rinse the oolong tea with hot water. Add it to a cup of hot water. Then, add few Osmanthus flowers.
Let it steep for three minutes. Stir and serve.
3. Osmanthus Black Milk Tea Recipe
This tea is a traditional drink in Taiwan.
Ingredients:
- Tapioca pearls
- Osmanthus black tea
- Ice
- Coconut milk
Directions
Prepare the tapioca pearls. Make the Osmanthus black tea in a pot. Add ¼ cup of hydrated tapioca pearls to the cup. Add ice and the prepared osmanthus black tea.
You can add sweetener and coconut milk according to taste.
4. Osmanthus Green Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 grams of green tea
- 1 gram of osmanthus flower tea
Directions
Steep the green tea in hot water for three minutes. Pour the tea into a glass or cup. Then, sprinkle some Osmanthus flowers on top and let them steep for few minutes.
Drink it hot.
There can’t be a better way to get healthy while enjoying a cup of fragrant and flavorful Osmanthus tea.
Related:
- Is Green Tea Acidic? What Makes It Healthy?
- Chamomile Tea Benefits & Side Effects
- 15 Benefits of Barley Tea
Sources:
Nor, N. H. M., et al., “Medicinal Herbals with Antiplatelet Properties Benefit in Coronary Atherothrombotic Diseases,” Thrombosis, March 14, 2016; doi: 10.1155/2016/5952910.
“Osmanthus Flower Tea Benefits and Side Effects,” Gyokuro Green Tea; http://www.gyokurotea.com/osmanthus-flower-tea-benefits-and-side-effects/, last accessed April 10, 2017.
“The Amazing Benefits of Osmanthus Flowers,” The Snow Fairy, May 27, 2013; http://www.thesnowfairy.com/the-amazing-benefits-of-osmanthus-flowers/.
