Is It Safe to Drink Chrysanthemum Tea During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy involves several guidelines and restrictions and this creates a confusion about what to do or not. For expectant mothers who love tea, herbal ones with low caffeine levels are much preferred. Again, not all herbal teas are safe and this raises concern whether chrysanthemum tea is safe during pregnancy or not.

Excess consumption of tea leads to adverse outcomes due to caffeine and other constituents, which may contribute to low birth weight and increase miscarriage risk. Together we will explore the pros and cons of chrysanthemum tea for pregnant mothers.

• Table of contents

What is Chrysanthemum Tea?

Herbal teas are made from flowers, and the same goes for chrysanthemum tea, which is made from chrysanthemum flowers (1). This tea holds a popular place in Eastern Asia (2). It is prepared from the chrysanthemum flowers that have been dried and immersed in boiling water, resulting in yellow, transparent, and full of fragrance tea.

Is Caffeine Present In Chrysanthemum Tea?

Chrysanthemum tea is a floral infusion rather than a true tea made from the leaves of the plant. Therefore, unless blended with caffeine-containing tea leaves, such as black or green tea, Chrysanthemum tea is caffeine-free.

Is it Safe to Drink Chrysanthemum Tea During Pregnancy?

Not a lot is known about the effects of herbs and herbal teas on pregnancy due to limited research studies (3). For this reason, you must always get in touch with a doctor or gynecologist before having herbal teas such as chrysanthemum tea during pregnancy.

While chrysanthemum tea is popular for its many medicinal benefits, some factors go against drinking this tea when pregnant (4). Many tests and research find the presence of some harmful constituents in this tea (5). For this reason, you may need to exercise caution.

[Read: Drinking Green Tea In Pregnancy]

How Much Chrysanthemum Tea is Safe to Drink?

Chrysanthemum tea benefits your overall well-being by providing nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, and K, and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, and glycosides. These nutrients contribute to health positively by offering various advantages when consumed—approximately 1 to 3 cups of this tea is taken daily. However, it is prudent to consult a physician or registered dietician to determine the suitable daily quantity for your needs.

Nutritional Benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea

Chrysanthemum tea is a flavorful drink providing essential nutrients to boost immunity and protects against free radicals. Regular consumption enhances overall health (6). However, it should complement in moderate amounts..

• It contains flavonoids which reduces oxidative stress (7).
• It has carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, essential for eye health (8).
• Chrysanthemum has chlorogenic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory properties that prevent chronic diseases (9).
• It contains mogrosides with potential anti-diabetic effects (10).

While not a primary source of vitamins and minerals, chrysanthemum provides trace amounts of vitamins A, C, potassium, and calcium, supporting overall health.

Medicinal Properties of Chrysanthemum Tea

Chrysanthemum tea is an herbal tea with several therapeutic benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• Helps cool down the skin and is beneficial for expectant mothers who have acne.
• Alleviates sore throat and reduces fever (11).
• Acts as a natural coolant and helps with headaches (12) and mouth ulcers.
• Helps treat varicose veins as well as heart ailments (13).
• Acts as a detoxifier due to high antioxidants (14), this herbal tea helps with the cleaning up of the kidneys and liver.
• Chrysanthemum tea is widely used in China to improve eyesight (15). It is an excellent source of vitamins B and C and provides fast relief from red eyes, itchiness, and dryness of eyes due to heat.
• Helps in treating dizziness.
• Can alleviate hypertension issues.
• Helps in combating bacteria, and viruses, and boosts endurance.

[Read: Is It Safe To Drink Chamomile Tea During Pregnancy?]

Side Effects of Chrysanthemum Tea During Pregnancy

Chrysanthemum tea has some benefits for pregnant mothers, but it can also have some side effects.

• Skin rashes, fever, or asthma. (16).
• Gastric issues.
• Negative interaction with certain medications, particularly during gestational diabetes.
• May face uterine contractions and preterm labor

Hence, chrysanthemum tea is beneficial to one’s diet. But it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for safety concerns.

When to Avoid Chrysanthemum Tea

Pregnant women having allergies to flowers like ragweed, daisies, and marigolds, should be much careful when consuming chrysanthemum tea. Those who frequently face cold symptoms should avoid this tea. Chrysanthemum tea though, generally safe for expectants, there may be some facing allergic reactions or gastrointestinal issues. Hence, it is vital to seek guidance from a healthcare provider before consuming chrysanthemum tea if there are any concerns or pre-existing health conditions.

Medical experts believe that the consumption of chrysanthemum tea when pregnant is a safe bet as long as you exercise moderation. Pregnant women should always drink chrysanthemum tea in warm water rather than in hot water. It is also very crucial to have the doctor’s word as the body proportion of a few pregnant women is unfavorable to consuming chrysanthemum tea.

[Read: Is It Safe To Drink Jasmine Tea During Pregnancy?]

FAQ’s

1. Can I Have Chrysanthemum Tea Everyday While Pregnant?

No, not advisable. Pregnant women must avoid this tea. It contains pyrethrum, which can irritate various parts of the body.

2. Does Chrysanthemum Tea Contain Caffeine?

No, it does not. It is caffeine-free. However, it is still not safe for pregnant women to drink it.

3. Can Chrysanthemum Cool Down Your Body?

Yes, it can. Its main nature is to cool down the heated body. Hence it is not advisable for pregnant women.

4. Can Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea Affect the Fetus?

Yes, it can have adverse effects on baby. It can change your body temperature drastically, which is dangerous. It is best to consult your doctor before drinking this.

5. Who Should Not Drink Chrysanthemum Tea?

Pregnant mothers who are allergic to flowers should avoid chrysanthemum tea. Even expectants with metabolic disturbances or bleeding disorders should also refrain this type of tea.

6. What Teas Should I Avoid While Pregnant?

Pregnant women should avoid high caffeine-rich teas. High caffeine intake increases the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.

7. Can A Pregnant Woman Drink Hibiscus Flower Tea?

Pregnant women are not advised to drink Hibiscus Tea . The compounds in Hibiscus Tea inhibit nutrient absorption. It may even stimulate uterine contractions.

8. What Is The Best Time To Drink Chrysanthemum Tea?

The best time to drink chrysanthemum tea is before sunset. If you are planning to consume post meals, give a gap of at least 45 minutes.

Read Also: Is It Safe To Drink Oolong Tea During Pregnancy?

References

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3. orster, D.A., Denning, A., Wills, G. et al. Herbal medicine use during pregnancy in a group of Australian women. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 6, 21 – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1471-2393-6-21
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