Golden Flower Tea – also known as the “queen of teas” – is an exquisite and incredibly beneficial tea for health and is used in many traditional Vietnamese medicine remedies. With so many amazing properties, it’s no wonder that this tea is highly sought-after. Let’s delve into the wonders of Golden Flower Tea and explore why it has gained such popularity.
1 Unveiling the Secrets of Golden Flower Tea
What is Golden Flower Tea?
Golden Flower Tea, also known as Kim Hoa Tra, Tra Truong Tho, and Tra Rung, belongs to the Camellia family and has the scientific name Camellia chrysantha. This medicinal herb originates from Guangxi Province in China and goes by various names such as Kim Hoa Tra, Tra Truong Tho, and Tra Rung.
In ancient times, Golden Flower Tea was exclusively consumed by royalty and the nobility. Hence, it earned the title of “queen” among teas.
What is Golden Flower Tea?
Distribution and Habitat
Golden Flower Tea thrives in well-drained, loose soil. In Vietnam, this plant is predominantly found in Ninh Binh, Tuyen Quang, Que Phong – Nghe An, Ba Vi – Hanoi, Vinh Cuu – Dong Nai, and other regions. Notably, Ba Che district in Quang Ninh province is considered the “capital” of Golden Flower Tea, with a total cultivation area of approximately 205 hectares, of which about 100 hectares are currently in production.
Distribution and Habitat
Characteristics of Golden Flower Tea
Golden Flower Tea is a woody plant with green stems and golden-hued flowers, growing to heights between 2 and 5 meters. Its leaves are spaced apart, circular, long, and narrow, measuring 11-14cm in length. The leaves feature small serrations without hair, and the leaf stalks are 6-7mm long.
Each leaf stalk bears a solitary Golden Flower, comprising 8-10 petals, with a diameter of 5-6cm. The flowering season spans from November to March of the following year.
Parts Used, Harvesting, and Processing
Golden Flower Tea is commonly used for medicinal purposes, and its leaves, flowers, and young buds are all utilized in processing. The flowers, however, are the most frequently used part of the plant. Harvesting typically occurs between March and April, during spring.
The harvested parts can be used fresh or processed by sun-drying. Dried Golden Flower Tea is a popular choice as it can be stored for extended periods in glass jars, plastic bags, or other containers.
Classification of Golden Flower Tea
Golden Flower Tea is classified into four main types based on their geographical origin:
- Quang Ninh Golden Flower Tea
- Vinh Phuc Golden Flower Tea
- Que Phong Golden Flower Tea (from Nghe An province)
- Dalat Golden Flower Tea
Classification of Golden Flower Tea
2Nutritional Value of Golden Flower Tea
According to research conducted by Hanoi University of Pharmacy, the flowers and leaves of Golden Flower Tea contain over 400 safe and non-toxic chemical compounds for the body. Notably, it comprises approximately 33.8% of anti-cancer substances, including selenium, tea polyphenols, and saponins. Additionally, this precious herb contains other components such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vanadium, germanium, and amino acids, to name a few.
Golden Flower Tea boasts detoxifying properties and aids in treating liver ailments. Furthermore, it contributes to reducing bad cholesterol in the blood, making it beneficial for cardiovascular health and potentially useful in treating malignant tumors.
Moreover, this herb is valuable in managing symptoms of diabetes and, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, can promote effective weight loss.
Nutritional Value of Golden Flower Tea
3Benefits of Golden Flower Tea
Detoxifies the Body and Cleanses the Liver
Drinking tea is an excellent way to detoxify the liver and cleanse the body, and Golden Flower Tea is particularly effective due to its high content of flavonoids, which help prevent the invasion of viruses.
Detoxifies the Body and Cleanses the Liver
Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation
A warm cup of tea is sure to soothe and relieve stress while calming the mind. Golden Flower Tea also aids in improving sleep quality and addressing insomnia.
Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation
Preserves Youthful Appearance
Golden Flower Tea contains polyphenols, saponins, flavonoids, vanadium, vitamin C, and vitamin E, among other compounds, which act as powerful antioxidants and help balance the body’s metabolism. Notably, the presence of EGCG in the tea effectively treats skin discoloration and promotes healthy, radiant skin from within.
Preserves Youthful Appearance
Aids in Cancer Treatment
According to “Camellia International Journal,” a specialized publication dedicated to Golden Flower Tea research, this tea exhibits remarkable potential in inhibiting tumor growth by up to 33.8%, which is a significant rate in modern cancer treatment. It is used as a supportive therapy in the late stages of cancer.
Aids in Cancer Treatment
Supports Cardiovascular Health
The “Camellia International Journal” also highlights that the active compounds in Golden Flower Tea can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood by up to 35%, helping to address atherosclerosis. Additionally, substances like polyphenols and polysaccharides in the tea contribute to stabilizing blood pressure and maintaining cardiovascular health.
Supports Cardiovascular Health
Helps Lower Blood Sugar in Diabetics
The antioxidant compounds in Golden Flower Tea inhibit free radicals in the body, aiding in reducing diabetes-related complications, including hypoglycemia. Moreover, the tea boosts metabolism and aids in burning body fat.
Helps Lower Blood Sugar in Diabetics
4 How to Use Golden Flower Tea Effectively
Brewing Golden Flower Tea
For each brew, use 5-10 flowers per 500ml of water. Ideally, well water should be used, but bottled water, rainwater, or tap water are also acceptable alternatives.
Brewing Golden Flower Tea is simple: just place the flowers in a glass teapot and pour in boiling water. Allow it to steep for about 10 minutes before enjoying a delicious and healthy cup of tea. For optimal benefits, consume the tea about 30 minutes after a meal, and feel free to drink it daily.
Brewing Golden Flower Tea
This brewing method applies to both fresh and dried flowers. Additionally, a pinch of salt can be added to the tea to help preserve the freshness and beauty of the flowers.
Infusing Golden Flower Tea with Alcohol
The unripe fruit, flowers, or roots of Golden Flower Tea can be used for alcohol infusion, although the unripe fruit is the most commonly used part as harvesting the roots requires uprooting the entire plant. After harvesting, cleaning, and drying the unripe fruit, soak it in 40% alcohol for about a month.
Infusing Golden Flower Tea with Alcohol
Other Uses of Golden Flower Tea
In addition to brewing and infusing, Golden Flower Tea can be used in the following ways for specific purposes:
- Treating dysentery: Use 30g of dried Golden Flower Tea leaves, boil them in 600ml of water over low heat, and consume the tea three times a day.
- Wound disinfection: Use 30g of dried Golden Flower Tea leaves, boil them in 1 liter of water over low heat, and divide the tea into five portions. Drink three portions throughout the day, and use the remaining two portions to wash wounds.
