Is Chrysanthemum Tea Good to Drink at Night? Benefits for Sleep & Relaxation

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Chrysanthemum tea has been a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, praised for its calming properties and ability to reduce 'internal heat'. This makes the question, "is chrysanthemum tea good to drink at night?", a very common one, especially for those seeking a natural and caffeine-free way to promote relaxation and restful sleep.

Quick Summary

Chrysanthemum tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion with mild sedative and anti-anxiety properties. It can calm the nervous system and reduce stress, promoting relaxation and aiding in a more restful night's sleep without disrupting your circadian rhythm.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free: As a herbal infusion, chrysanthemum tea is naturally without caffeine, making it ideal for evening consumption without disrupting sleep.
Promotes Relaxation: Contains flavonoids and L-Theanine, which have mild sedative and anti-anxiety properties that help calm the nervous system.
Soothes Stress: Regular consumption may help reduce stress levels and anxiety, contributing to a more restful night's sleep.
Aids Digestion: It can act as a digestive tonic, relieving bloating and indigestion that could interfere with sleep.
Potential Allergies: Those with sensitivities to plants in the daisy family (like ragweed) should be cautious due to potential allergic reactions.
Consult a Doctor: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication (especially statins), consult a healthcare provider before consuming.
Use Edible Flowers Only: It is vital to use only edible-grade chrysanthemum flowers meant for tea to avoid harmful pesticides.

The Science Behind Chrysanthemum Tea for a Good Night's Sleep

Many people are drawn to chrysanthemum tea for its soothing qualities, particularly as part of an evening ritual. The appeal lies in its natural composition, which includes several compounds that contribute to its calming effects, making it a potentially beneficial beverage for nighttime consumption.

It's Naturally Caffeine-Free

Unlike traditional teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, chrysanthemum tea is an herbal infusion made from dried chrysanthemum flowers. This means it is naturally devoid of caffeine, the stimulant that can interfere with sleep patterns and keep you awake at night. This is arguably the most significant factor that makes it a suitable choice for a bedtime drink. A cup of warm, caffeine-free tea can help signal to your body that it's time to wind down without the risk of restlessness often associated with caffeinated beverages.

Contains Calming and Soothing Compounds

Chrysanthemum contains flavonoids, amino acids, and other compounds that contribute to its relaxing effects. Research has shown that it can have a mild sedative effect, which helps to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. Specifically, some sources note the presence of L-Theanine, an amino acid known for promoting deep relaxation.

Flavonoids: These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing effects.
Amino Acids: Certain amino acids help calm the nervous system.
Chlorogenic Acid: This powerful antioxidant has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties.

Key Benefits of Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea at Night

Beyond simply being caffeine-free, chrysanthemum tea offers several benefits that make it an excellent choice for your evening routine:

Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Anxiety: The natural sedative and anxiolytic properties can help calm a busy mind and reduce feelings of anxiety, which are often significant barriers to falling asleep.
Cooling Effect: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chrysanthemum is considered to have a cooling effect on the body, which can help calm and soothe the nerves.
Soothes Inflammation: Its anti-inflammatory properties can be particularly soothing if you're feeling unwell with a cold, as it can help with symptoms like a sore throat.
Aids Digestion: It can act as a digestive tonic, relieving indigestion and bloating. A settled stomach before bed is key to comfortable sleep.

How to Prepare the Perfect Bedtime Chrysanthemum Tea

To get the most benefit from your tea, proper preparation is important. A simple brewing method ensures you extract the full flavor and properties of the flowers.

Ingredients: Use 3-5 high-quality, dried chrysanthemum flowers per cup. Look for organic, pesticide-free varieties meant for consumption.
Water Temperature: Bring filtered water to a boil, then allow it to cool slightly to about 90–95°C (190–200°F). Boiling water can make the tea taste bitter.
Steeping Time: Steep the flowers in your cup or teapot for 3-5 minutes. For a stronger brew, you can steep for up to 10 minutes.
Optional Additions: Add a touch of honey for natural sweetness or a few goji berries for added health benefits.

Comparison: Chrysanthemum vs. Other Bedtime Teas


Feature	Chrysanthemum Tea	Chamomile Tea	Lavender Tea	Peppermint Tea
Flavor Profile	Light, floral, and slightly sweet with a honey-like finish.	Apple-like, mildly sweet, and floral.	Strong, floral, and aromatic.	Refreshing and minty.
Primary Sleep Benefit	Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety.	Widely known sedative and muscle relaxant.	Aromatic properties promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.	Soothes digestion and can help relax muscles.
Best for	Winding down, reducing stress, and calming nerves before bed.	Those with insomnia and anxiety-related sleep issues.	Aromatherapy-based relaxation and unwinding.	Settling the stomach before sleep.
TCM Use	Cooling properties, detoxifying liver, improving vision.	Not typically used in TCM for the same specific purposes.	Varies, but known for relaxation.	Aids digestion, settles stomach.
Other Uses	Eye health, anti-inflammatory.	Calming indigestion.	Reduces stress.	Aids in digestion.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While generally safe for most people, there are a few important considerations when drinking chrysanthemum tea, especially at night.

Allergy Risks

If you have an allergy to plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae), which includes ragweed and marigolds, you may also have an allergic reaction to chrysanthemum. This can manifest as a skin rash or other irritations.

Medication Interactions

Some studies suggest chrysanthemum may interact with certain medications. For example, research has indicated potential interactions with statins, which are used to lower cholesterol. If you are on any prescription medication, it is crucial to consult your doctor before making it a regular part of your routine.

Using Edible-Grade Flowers Only

It is imperative to use chrysanthemum flowers specifically grown for tea. Decorative chrysanthemums from florists or supermarkets may contain pesticides or other chemicals unsuitable for consumption.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is insufficient research to confirm the safety of chrysanthemum tea for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is best to avoid it during these periods to be safe.

Conclusion

So, is chrysanthemum tea good to drink at night? For most people, yes. This naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion offers mild sedative and anti-anxiety benefits that promote relaxation and help prepare the body for restful sleep. By calming the nervous system and easing stress, it can be a valuable addition to an evening routine. However, it is essential to be mindful of potential allergies and medication interactions and to always use edible-grade flowers. When prepared correctly, a warm cup of chrysanthemum tea can be a soothing and mindful way to end your day, paving the way for a peaceful night.

One study on chlorogenic acid and its anxiolytic properties provides further support for the calming effects found in chrysanthemum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for most people, chrysanthemum tea is safe to drink at night. It is naturally caffeine-free and has mild sedative properties that can help promote relaxation and sleep.

Yes, research suggests that chrysanthemum tea can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. It contains compounds like flavonoids and chlorogenic acid that have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties.

No, chrysanthemum tea is an herbal infusion made from flowers, not tea leaves. It is completely caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for a nighttime beverage.

For most healthy individuals, drinking chrysanthemum tea every night is safe. However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on certain medications, you should consult a doctor first.

Both teas are from the daisy family and are known for their calming effects. While both promote relaxation, chamomile is often more specifically associated with its sedative properties, while chrysanthemum also offers cooling and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions in those sensitive to daisies or ragweed. It may also interact with certain medications like statins. It's crucial to use edible-grade flowers.

Yes, by helping to reduce stress and anxiety, and calming the nervous system, a cup of chrysanthemum tea can help you unwind and promote a more restful and uninterrupted night's sleep.