<This post contains affiliate links so that the reader can easily locate the items mentioned in the article. Thank you>

 

WHAT IS A FLOWERING TEA?

You’re a lover of tea, and it is one of the great simple pleasures you look forward to each day. However, perhaps you are not familiar with flowering tea and have wondered, “What is a flowering tea?”

 

If you are in a rush, click here to see it now on Amazon ( and don’t forget to come back later )!

Flowering tea is an astonishingly beautiful blooming tea art! Some refer to it as a display tea, a blossoming or blossom tea, a blooming or bloom tea, art tea, or hand-tied tea (just to name a few). Still, all describing expertly hand-crafted bundles of fresh flowers and delicate, soft green or white tea leaves and buds skillfully sewn together by artisans into a particular shape.

 

 

When these lovely bundles are placed in a glass container and hot water poured over them, they morph into an incredibly gorgeous display of flowers and leaves that will leave a lasting impression on everyone around.

And then, after being wowed by their elegant beauty, you get to savor the delicate and delicious brew.

This is a fundamental answer to the question, “What is a flowering tea?” But there is so much more to know!

Keep reading, or if you’re pressed for time, just click on what interests you most and jump right to it:

 

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE FLOWERING TEA

In the furthest Southeast region of China, 2,000 feet above the sea, lies the magnificent Yunnan Province. This ancient land gave us not only the highly regarded Pu-erh tea (as well as a few others) but also the birth of the beautiful flowering tea.

Unfortunately, its history is not precisely known or recorded, so we must count on the stories handed down through word of mouth. Some say the flowering tea’s first creation occurred many hundreds of years ago.

 

This group claims that in the 10th century, beautiful displays were designed for the royal court’s visual pleasure but not for use as a beverage. Maybe it was just that the leaves used for the artwork at the time were not of the highest quality, and therefore, no one wanted to drink them.

 

Others say it is a thoroughly modern work of art. Being the romantic I am, I will go with the “hundreds of years old” tale. After all, it makes perfect sense that something so mysterious and lovely would have quite a history!

 

HOW FLOWERING TEA IS MADE

In one particular method, Silver Tea Needles, which are only the single tip of the tea bush, are carefully collected by hand from the many fertile tea terraces in the Yunnan Province. The leaves are then processed and dried in 230-degree Fahrenheit ovens into loose-leaf white tea.

Once ready, Chinese artisans take a specific amount of the long, delicate leaves (they weigh them to keep consistency) and wrap them into small bundles with cotton cords. They sew the different types of flowers used into and around the bunches of tea leaves by hand. The more common kinds of flowers may be carnations, marigolds, hibiscus, jasmine, globe amaranth, and chrysanthemums. Lilies, roses, and osmanthus. Whichever type of bulb or flowers are used, you can rest assured that they are all food-safe flowers for your enjoyment.

The designs can be anything from just one lovely blossom emerging from within the tea leaves to beautiful fancy arches of small flowers or elaborate bouquets. Magical, mystical, aromatic creations such as this!

At times, if the flower or flowers used in the arrangements do not have a very noticeable scent or flavor, the artisan may infuse some flavoring (sometimes jasmine or rose) into the bundle. Whether they do or not, these are very delicately flavored teas, usually using white, green, oolong, or black tea leaves as their base.

The next step is to wrap the bundle in a tightly bound cloth (again, food-safe) and place it in an oven for its second drying, this time at 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Then voila! They are individually sealed for freshness, ready for market, purchase, and enjoyment, to be placed into hot water, and given a chance to unfurl into the magnificent works of art that they are!

To add to the romance of these creations, the skilled artisans who produce them with such tremendous pride perceive that each one represents friendship, prosperity, a long life, harmony, and love.

Preparing tea using one of these exquisite works of art is to enjoy an elegant moment of serenity. Indeed, your senses will come alive, and sharing will make it even better.

Please remember that I have described one method used with silver tea needles. Other methods and teas are also used.

 

CAN YOU DRINK FLOWERING TEA & DOES IT HAVE ANY HEALTH BENEFITS?

One must love and be grateful to Flowering Tea not just for its intoxicating beauty but also for all of its fantastic health benefits. YES, it can indeed be drunk!

10 DELICIOUSLY HEALTHFUL REASONS TO DRINK FLOWERING TEA

1 – GREAT STRESS RELIEVER

We’re all very familiar with the fact that preparing tea (of any type) is immediately a huge stress reliever. It’s a comforting ritual that relaxes and calms us.

Green and white tea (commonly used in the creation of flowering teas) calms and balances our stress hormones due to the polyphenols and catechins contained. I’m going to just refer to green tea for practical purposes, but know that white tea contains a similar nutrient profile to green tea.

Silently meditate as you behold the elegant unfurling of the leaves and flowers of your blooming tea, and then gratefully sip the health it offers.

 

2 – FLOWERING TEA – GOOD FOR YOU, YOUR HEART, AND YOUR BRAIN

It’s not just a myth! Clinical studies have confirmed that green tea can lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. With its amazing antioxidants, the most potent being EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), it helps prevent plaque accumulation in arteries known as atherosclerosis. Also, it helps your memory.

EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) has been well studied and researched. It is a powerful nutrient in green tea with metabolism-boosting properties. The Japanese have known of its ability to aid in weight loss for many years.

 

3 – YOUR SKIN WILL BLOSSOM AS BEAUTIFULLY AS THE FLOWERING TEA ITSELF

The polyphenolic compounds in green tea are lovely for healthy skin! They help prevent collagen from breaking down, keeping wrinkles and spots under control while also stimulating the production of new cells.

 

4 – BRING ON THOSE POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS

Green tea is blessed with an abundance of flavonoids and catechins, which help neutralize the free radicals in your body that love to run rampant, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and other chronic diseases. It is a significant source of help to the immune system!

 

 5 – FLOWERING TEA MAY HELP YOU BLOSSOM INTO A FITTER YOU

While good-quality green tea does contain less caffeine than coffee (24-40 mg per cup as opposed to 100-200 mg in coffee), it is still enough to act as a stimulant to help with fat burning and give you a bit of energy. The caffeine and EGCG (an extremely potent antioxidant) can both compellingly affect your metabolism.

 

6 – BREATHE EASIER WHILE KEEPING THE BUGS AWAY

Sip a cup when you’re congested and feeling under the weather, and see how quickly you feel the mucus in your lungs start clearing up and inflammation soothed.

 

7 – WHO’D HAVE KNOWN IT HELPS OUR EYESIGHT TOO?!

If you drink a blooming tea containing GLOBE AMARANTH as its flower, you will be boosting your eye health. Globe Amaranth is rich in Vitamin A (necessary for sight health) and other active ingredients, which can help prevent macular degeneration. It can also delay the beginnings of cataracts by helping to eliminate oxidative free radicals that cause stress.

 

8 – ANYTHING TO WARD OFF CANCER!

The abundant polyphenols (antioxidants) found in green tea have a profound effect on reducing inflammation in the body and helping combat damaging free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize oxidative stress in cells. The ample amount of the natural antioxidant catechin, EGCG, is significant in helping to ward off cell damage, among other benefits.

 

9 – A SIMPLE MATTER OF HELPING DIGESTIVE ISSUES

Marigold in flowering tea is said to help with digestion and relieve stomach discomfort. It also helps with cramps, constipation, bloating, and gas.

 

Another beautiful little flower that aids with indigestion is the Chamomile.

And yet, I’ve never seen it used in any of the flowering teas I’ve encountered. I suppose if someone wanted to experiment with the crafting of their own creation, the Chamomile flower could be an option, too; why not?

 

10 – AND IF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS YOUR CONCERN

Try a flowering tea with Hibiscus. The Hibiscus Flower is known to help reduce blood pressure and has a delicious, mild taste. However, if low blood pressure is your issue, please stay away from this one.

 

Whether you’re looking to shed a few extra inches, help prevent cancer and heart disease, put a glow in your skin, give your immune system a powerful boost, or enjoy a few moments of relaxation in their breathtaking beauty, you owe it to yourself to give these flowering teas a try.

And now, when someone asks you, “What is flowering tea?” You’ll not only know but you’ll also be prepared to introduce them to this beautiful and healthy art!

 

BEWARE OF POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

 

Some of you may be concerned with any possible side effects from drinking flowering tea. Always consult a physician FIRST if you have any worries or concerns. 

Apart from the caffeine in the teas (which should not be a problem in moderation), some of the more commonly known types of flowers used in several of the creations may be a problem for you because:

• OSMANTHUS – Should not be consumed by breastfeeding or pregnant women (FDA warning).

 

• GLOBE AMARANTH—If you are allergic to ragweed, tumbleweed, or common allergens in general, you might want to avoid this one because it is known to be highly allergenic.

 

• MARIGOLD –  You’d have to drink a considerable amount, but Marigold could make you itchy, irritate your skin, make you a little light-headed and dizzy, and affect your breathing.

 

• HIBISCUS—It helps to lower blood pressure, so don’t risk it if you suffer from low blood pressure.

 

• JASMINE—Unfortunately, some people are allergic to Jasmine and could develop contact dermatitis. Light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach are also possible.

 

• • LILY – Another flower I love, but its pollen could be problematic to some. There isn’t too much pollen in a flowering tea (a very small amount), but it could still trigger itchiness, sneezing, and trouble breathing for some.