Inhaling the fragrant aroma of osmanthus tea may curb your appetite, say the authors of a study published in a 2013 issue of the journal Scientific Reports. In the study, researchers were able to show that the scent of osmanthus decreases the activity of brain chemicals that stimulate appetite, such as neuropeptide Y. In addition, the odor of osmanthus increases the activity of brain chemicals that decrease appetite. The results suggest osmanthus aroma exerts a mild sedative effect and lowers the motivation to eat, explain the study authors.
Osmanthus, known for its sweet and fragrant flowers, offers a range of culinary and health benefits. It’s a popular ingredient in tea, desserts, and other food preparations, and is also valued for its potential medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Osmanthus flowers arehigh in Vitamin B3, aka niacin. Niacin helps convert food into energy, helps your cells make and repair DNA, improves blood fat levels, helps reduce blood pressure, increases brain function, improves skin health and acts as an antioxidant.
Osmanthus, a yellow-gold flower grown in Southern China, has a uniquely sweet and buttery fragrance that makes it not only delicious to drink as a pure tea or part of a tea blend, but also great to create sweet desserts. Its melanin content and high concentrations of antioxidants may also serve to slow aging and the browning of foods.
Osmanthus Tea Benefits
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), osmanthus is a well known herb that can improve skin, detoxify the body, reduce thick saliva in the throat and boost lung health. In practice, osmanthus tea is often consumed when one suffers from a dry skin or hoarseness. At last, this national flower is also popular among Chinese seniors with a weak digestive function.
Some of the most desired benefits of osmanthus tea include its ability to improve the complexion of the drinker, as well as helping the body to rid itself of excess nitric oxide. Traditional Chinese medicine claims that removing the excess nitric oxide from one’s body can help reduce the risk of the onset of cancer and diabetes, making it a popularly recommended drink. Thanks to the low pollen count of these flowers, they should be suitable for most drinkers, with little risk of an allergy occurring, although as always, should any symptoms arise, please seek medical help and seek consultation before starting any herbal treatment using this flower.
As it’s caffeine free, pure osmanthus flower tea can be enjoyed at any time of the day or evening without encountering trouble getting to sleep.
Potential Appetite Suppressant
Rich in Vitamin B-3
Scientists in China evaluated the substances in osmanthus fragrans flowers and found that the flowers are rich in a form of vitamin B-3 known as niacinamide, according to an article published in the January 2015 issue of the Journal of Natural Medicines. This is a lesser known form belonging to the B vitamin group that has different effects than niacin. As with all B vitamins, B-3 helps your body convert carbohydrates to energy. Unlike niacin, however, niacinamide may help protect insulin-producing cells in people with type-1 diabetes, but more research is needed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Rich in Antioxidants
Osmanthus is rich in polyphenol compounds, which are substances found in plants that act as antioxidants. Polyphenols like those in osmanthus are also found fruits and vegetables. Clinical data suggests that a diet rich in polypenols reduces the risk of chronic diseases, according to a review published in the November 2009 issue of the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. For example, research indicates polyphenols reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Polyphenols are credited with the heart-health benefits of red wine.
Culinary Uses:
Tea:
Osmanthus flowers are used to create a popular floral tea, known for its sweet and fragrant taste.
Desserts:
Osmanthus flowers can be incorporated into cakes, pastries, and other desserts, adding a unique flavor and fragrance.
Food Flavoring:
Osmanthus can be used to flavor various foods, including wines and other beverages.
Health Benefits:
Antioxidant:
Osmanthus is a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory:
Some studies suggest that osmanthus has anti-inflammatory properties, potentially benefiting conditions like arthritis.
Reproductive Aid:
Osmanthus essential oil has been traditionally used to promote menstrual regularity and regulate hormones.
Respiratory Support:
Some traditional uses of osmanthus involve treating coughs, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.
Other Potential Benefits:
Osmanthus has also been linked to improvements in digestion, skin health, and potentially even blood pressure.
Other Uses:
Aromatherapy:
Osmanthus essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing properties.
Fragrance:
The strong and pleasant fragrance of osmanthus makes it a popular ingredient in perfumes and other fragrance products.
Osmanthus-infused oils, butters, and other products are known for their ability to hydrate, rejuvenate, and soothe the skin. Natural antioxidants in Osmanthus protect the skin from environmental damage, making it a sought-after ingredient in luxury beauty products.
