Description
Osmanthus, (Guì Huā, 桂花) with its intensely sweet and aromatic fragrance, is a beloved flower in Chinese culture. In TCM, it is valued not just for its flavour but for its ability to move Qi, resolve stagnation, and transform dampness.
These properties are key to understanding its actions. Its warm nature helps to counteract cold, while its pungent flavour promotes the movement of Qi and Blood, and its sweet flavour harmonises and moderates the pungency.
Warm in nature. Pungent (Acrid) and Sweet in taste. It enters the lungs, spleen, stomach and liver meridians.
It has the effects of warming the stomach, calming the liver and alleviating cold.
Health Benefits :
Warms the Stomach & regulates Qi (for digestive issues), strengthens the spleen, disperses Cold, harmonises the Liver, resolves phlegm, soothes the liver, nourishes the skin, anti-oxidant, anti-aging. Best For Bloating, indigestion, stomach cramps from cold, stress-related digestive upset.
Warms the Stomach and Regulates Qi : This is its most prominent function. It is excellent for treating discomfort in the stomach and abdomen caused by Cold or Qi Stagnation, such as:
· Gastric pain or epigastric pain
· Feeling of fullness or distension after eating
· Mild nausea or loss of appetite
Disperses Cold and Alleviates Pain : Its warm nature helps to “disperse” or drive out cold from the body, which is a common cause of cramping or spasmodic pain.
Transforms Phlegm and Stops Cough : It has a mild action in resolving phlegm, particularly useful for chronic coughs with thin, white phlegm.
Harmonises the Liver and Regulates Qi : Through its affinity for the Liver meridian, it can help soothe the emotional frustration and physical tension that arises from Liver Qi Stagnation, especially when it affects the digestive system (a common pattern known as “Liver invading Spleen/Stomach”).
Moistens the Lungs : While it transforms phlegm, its sweet nature also provides a mild moistening effect, making it useful for dry or irritated throats.
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Digestive Discomfort: The primary modern use is for bloating, indigestion, and mild stomach cramps, especially when they are triggered by cold foods, drinks, or emotional stress.
· Aromatic Tea for Mood: Its delightful fragrance is considered “aromatic awakening” in TCM, which can help lift the spirits, alleviate mild anxiety, and counteract a feeling of stagnation or “heaviness.”
· Chronic Cough: Used as a supportive therapy for a lingering cough with clear or white phlegm.
· Culinary Delight and Medicine: It is widely used in Chinese cuisine and medicine to enhance the flavor of other herbs and foods, making them more palatable and easier to digest. It’s commonly made into syrups, jams, and infused wines.
· Skincare: In topical applications, it is believed to help improve the complexion and reduce dark spots by promoting circulation and resolving stagnation at the skin level.
Common Usage and Preparation
It is most commonly enjoyed as a tea or used in culinary preparations.
Osmanthus Tea :
1. Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried osmanthus flowers per cup.
2. Rinse briefly with hot water, then pour 90-95°C (194-203°F) water over them. Avoid boiling water, which can destroy its delicate aroma.
3. Steep for 5-7 minutes, covered.
4. Enjoy on its own or with a little rock sugar or honey.
Classic Combinations :
· Osmanthus + Green Tea : A famous and delicious combination. The osmanthus warms and regulates, balancing the cool nature of the green tea, while adding a wonderful fragrance.
· Osmanthus + Rose : A powerful duo for moving Liver Qi, soothing emotions, and relieving menstrual cramps related to Qi Stagnation.
· Osmanthus + Goji Berries : A nourishing and regulating blend. Goji nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin and Blood, while Osmanthus helps ensure smooth circulation of Qi.
· Osmanthus + Hawthorn : Enhances digestion and relieves food stagnation, especially from rich or fatty foods.
Precautions
Osmanthus is a very gentle herb, but its warming and moving properties require some caution.
· Excess Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, sore throat, inflammation.
· Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat : Symptoms include night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, and irritability.
· Pregnancy : Due to its Qi-moving action, it is generally advised to avoid medicinal use during pregnancy. All herbs are not for infants.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
