Health Benefits of Korean Chrysanthemum Tea | A Cup of Gamguk Tea | Health and Serenity in Autumn

When autumn arrives, the fields are gently blanketed in golden yellow blooms. Among them stands a flower revered for generations: Gamguk (甘菊), or sweet chrysanthemum.

Gamguk belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a perennial herb. Though it resembles wild chrysanthemums in appearance, it can be distinguished by its round petal tips and an overall softer, more delicate impression.

Historically prized in Eastern medicine, gamguk is especially well-known in traditional Korean herbal practices for its benefits to eye health and liver function.

Its name literally means "sweet chrysanthemum," and as the name implies, it carries a naturally mild sweetness.

This flower appears in classic texts like Donguibogam and Bencao Gangmu, both of which regard it as a therapeutic herb. Typically, it is sown in spring, blooms from September to November, and is harvested just before the frost to be sun-dried and brewed into tea.

Gamguk tea has a uniquely clean and gentle aroma, with a hint of natural sweetness and a touch of bitterness. When steeped in hot water, it yields a crystal-clear golden tea, offering both visual and aromatic pleasure.

Among edible wild chrysanthemums, gamguk holds particularly high medicinal value. Traditional uses include detoxification, fever reduction, visual support, liver function aid, and mental calming. Even today, gamguk remains a sought-after ingredient in functional teas.

It’s especially favored by those sensitive to caffeine or looking to unwind naturally.

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Health Benefits of Korean Chrysanthemum Tea

Health Benefits of Gamguk Tea

Gamguk tea is an easily accessible wellness beverage known for various scientifically and traditionally supported health effects:

1. Caffeine-Free
Gamguk tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it safe to drink without concern for sleep disturbances or heart palpitations. It can be compared to barley tea or rooibos tea in that regard.

2. Relieves Eye Fatigue
Historically used to protect eyesight and relieve eye fatigue, gamguk is rich in antioxidants such as luteolin, apigenin, and various flavonoids. These help slow ocular aging and protect eyes strained from extended exposure to screens. A warm cup of gamguk tea can also naturally ease dryness in the eyes.

3. Supports Liver Health
The flavonoids in gamguk aid in liver detoxification and protection, helping the body eliminate toxins and reduce liver stress. This is particularly beneficial for those who consume alcohol frequently or are concerned about liver function.

4. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Apigenin in gamguk has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping reduce oxidative stress and delay aging. When you’re feeling run-down, dealing with frequent headaches, or battling fatigue, a cup of warm gamguk tea may help restore energy and calm.

5. Promotes Relaxation and Better Sleep
The subtle fragrance and warm nature of gamguk tea help reduce psychological tension and promote emotional stability. A cup before bed can encourage deep, restful sleep. This makes gamguk tea an excellent alternative for people suffering from stress-induced insomnia or caffeine sensitivity.

6. Maintains Respiratory Health
Gamguk has long been used to alleviate coughs, sore throats, and mild cold symptoms. Its flavonoids help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and support the immune system. In seasons with sharp temperature fluctuations, gamguk tea helps ease breathing.

7. Improves Digestion
Gamguk tea also warms the stomach and aids digestion. If you're feeling bloated or sluggish after a meal, sipping gamguk tea may help relieve discomfort.

Health Benefits of Gamguk Tea

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How to Brew Gamguk Tea

Gamguk tea is made by steeping dried gamguk flowers. You can purchase them as loose flowers or roasted herbal blends. Here’s a simple method:

1. Prepare 1–2 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of dried gamguk flowers.

2. Boil 200–300 ml of clean water and turn off the heat.

3. Add the flowers and cover the pot to steep for 3–5 minutes.

4. For added sweetness, consider a small spoonful of honey.

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Recommended Daily Intake

For adults, 1 to 2 cups per day is typically suitable. Excessive consumption may cause mild discomfort or chills in those with cold constitutions or weak digestion. If you're new to herbal teas, it's best to start with smaller amounts.

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Gamguk vs. Regular Chrysanthemum

While gamguk is part of the chrysanthemum family, it differs from ornamental varieties. Known as "wild chrysanthemum," gamguk is cultivated specifically for medicinal use. Its flowers are smaller and more vividly yellow, and its taste is mildly sweet. Its therapeutic value is higher than that of standard chrysanthemums, and it's often sold in health markets as “medicinal chrysanthemum tea.”

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Bridging Tradition and Modern Wellness

Gamguk was a cherished herb in the royal courts of the Joseon Dynasty. Records suggest it was used to treat eye fatigue, headaches, and colds, and was served in decoctions and teas for kings and nobles concerned with health maintenance.

Today, gamguk tea is making a comeback in modern wellness culture, finding its place in herbal tea cafés and health-conscious drink brands. With no caffeine and a range of natural benefits, it’s embraced by a new generation as an ideal everyday tea

As the day winds down and autumn deepens, a warm cup of gamguk tea offers something beyond flavor-it’s a calming ritual that soothes the body and clears the mind. In that golden cup lies centuries of wisdom, waiting to be sipped.

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