Scented Tea

Scented tea (花茶 or 香茶) is a unique Chinese creation that infuses traditional tea leaves with the natural fragrance of flowers. Elegant, aromatic, and uplifting, scented teas are not only a delight to the senses but also steeped in centuries of cultural refinement.

Whether it’s jasmine, osmanthus, or rose, each flower adds new dimensions to the tea, making every cup a multi-sensory experience—beautiful to see, smell, and sip.

What Is Scented Tea?

Scented tea is made by blending tea leaves with aromatic flowers, allowing the leaves to absorb the floral fragrance over time. The most common base is green tea, but oolong and black tea can also be used. Traditional scenting involves layering flowers and tea together multiple times, sometimes over 5–7 cycles, to achieve perfect harmony.

Popular Types of Chinese Scented Tea

  • Jasmine Tea (茉莉花茶): The most famous type, made by layering jasmine blossoms with green tea
  • Osmanthus Tea (桂花茶): Fragrant and slightly fruity, often blended with oolong or black tea
  • Rose Tea (玫瑰花茶): Romantic and soothing, sometimes used in herbal or black tea bases
  • Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶): Light, slightly bitter, and used both as a standalone or with pu-erh
  • Lily Flower Tea (百合花茶): A calming floral often blended with white or green tea

Each offers a distinct mood and health benefit.

Health Benefits

Scented teas combine the power of tea and flowers, making them:

  • Calming and uplifting to mood and emotions
  • Rich in antioxidants, especially in green or white tea bases
  • Good for digestion, depending on the flower used (e.g., chrysanthemum)
  • Supportive of skin health, especially rose and osmanthus varieties
  • Helpful in relieving heat and eye fatigue in TCM

Scented Tea in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM, scented teas are highly regarded for their emotional and energetic balance:

  • Jasmine: Regulates Qi, relieves stress, and supports the liver
  • Chrysanthemum: Clears liver fire, benefits the eyes, and cools internal heat
  • Rose: Promotes blood circulation, soothes mood, and regulates menstruation
  • Osmanthus: Warms the stomach and helps with phlegm and coughs
  • Lily: Nourishes yin and calms the mind

These teas are often chosen based on seasonal or emotional needs.

Brewing Tips

  • Water temperature: 80–90°C (adjust based on base tea)
  • Steeping time: 2–4 minutes
  • Teaware: Glass cups or pots to enjoy visual beauty
  • Serving suggestion: Drink plain or lightly sweetened with honey

Avoid over-steeping to preserve delicate floral notes.

Fun Facts

  • Jasmine tea originated during the Song Dynasty and became a tribute tea in the Ming Dynasty.
  • True jasmine tea may require multiple scenting rounds and fresh blossoms daily.
  • The fragrance process is completely natural in traditional production—no artificial flavorings.
  • Some teas are decoratively hand-tied, blooming like flowers in hot water.

Scented tea is a celebration of harmony between nature and craft. It doesn’t just quench thirst—it lifts spirits, calms the heart, and connects us to the poetic beauty of Chinese tea culture. Whether enjoyed daily or for special moments, scented tea transforms every cup into a fragrant ritual.