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Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum x morifolium)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Common Names: Chrysanthemum, Ju Hua (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
  • Parts Used: Flowers

Description

Chrysanthemum is a perennial herb or subshrub native to East Asia, widely cultivated for its medicinal and ornamental value. The flowers are large and come in a variety of colors, most commonly yellow or white, with a characteristic floral aroma. The flowers have been used in traditional medicine, especially in Chinese and Japanese healing systems.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to clear heat, soothe the eyes, and calm the liver.
  • Consumed as a cooling herbal tea to relieve fevers, headaches, and colds.
  • Employed in folk remedies to promote longevity and treat respiratory issues.

Constituents

  • Flavonoids
  • Essential oils (borneol, camphor)
  • Vitamins A and C
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Triterpenes
  • Choline

Actions

  • Antipyretic (fever-reducing)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant
  • Antimicrobial
  • Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting)
  • Nervine (calming)

Medicinal Uses

1. Eye Health and Vision:
Chrysanthemum is traditionally used to relieve eye strain, dryness, and redness. It is commonly recommended for individuals with tired or irritated eyes.

2. Fever and Colds:
As a cooling herb, it helps reduce fever and alleviate symptoms of colds, such as sore throat and headaches.

3. Liver and Detoxification Support:
Chrysanthemum supports liver function and helps detoxify the body, making it beneficial for conditions related to liver stagnation.

4. Cardiovascular Health and High Blood Pressure:
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help protect blood vessels and support heart health by improving circulation and reducing oxidative stress. Also treats symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and tinnitus.

5. Calming and Relaxation:
Chrysanthemum has mild sedative properties, making it useful for reducing anxiety, stress, and promoting relaxation.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

  • 1-2 tsp of dried chrysanthemum flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes and drink 1-2 times daily for fever relief, eye health, or general well-being.

Tincture:

  • 2-4 ml of chrysanthemum tincture, taken 2-3 times daily.

Compress:

  • Soak a cloth in a chrysanthemum infusion and apply it to the eyes or inflamed areas for soothing relief.

Steam Inhalation:

  • Add 2-3 tbsp of dried flowers to hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale to relieve respiratory congestion.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Generally considered safe in moderate amounts, but consult a healthcare professional before use.
  • Allergic Reactions: Individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed or daisies) should use with caution.
  • Medication Interactions: May enhance the effects of blood pressure or sedative medications.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Ayurvedic: Cooling and calming, it helps balance pitta and kapha but may aggravate vata in excess.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used to clear heat and wind, calm the liver, and nourish the eyes.

Combinations

  • For Eye Health: Combine with goji berries and eyebright.
  • For Fever and Cold Relief: Combine with mint and honeysuckle.
  • For Liver Support: Combine with dandelion and milk thistle.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Flowers are harvested when fully open and at their peak in the late summer or early fall.
  • Drying: Spread the flowers in a single layer on a drying rack in a warm, well-ventilated space away from sunlight.
  • Storage: Store dried flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Modern Research

Studies have validated chrysanthemum’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. Research continues to explore its role in managing eye conditions, hypertension, and liver health.

Chrysanthemum remains a valued herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, offering benefits for vision, detoxification, and overall relaxation.