Chrysanthemum

Chrysathemum morifolium

Ju hua is known in the West as florists' chrysanthemum and is valued for its ornamental qualities. In China, however, chrysanthemum is a popular medicinal herb and is also commonly drunk as a refreshing tisane. Chrysanthemum is used to improve vision and soothe sore eyes, to relieve headaches and to counter infections such as colds and flu. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that chrysanthemum is a valuable remedy for high blood pressure.

Research has shown that chrysanthemum has an antibiotic principle which is affective in laboratory conditions against both staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria, and so is a valuable remedy against infection generally in the body. In addition, the action of yellow chrysanthemum on headache and eye problems has been supported by research into high blood pressure. In one study, 46 patients with essential hypertension and/or atherosclerosis showed improvement in conditions ranging from headache and dizziness to insomnia after one week's treatment; 35 subjects had their blood pressure return to normal, and continuing improvements were shown in the remainder of the patients. Chrysanthemum is also used in the respiratory system to clear fever and headaches associated with colds and flu. Chrysanthemum has long been used as a tonic for the eyes, especially where they are red, painful, and dry, or where there is excessive watering. Chrysanthemum is used also for spots in front of the eyes, blurry vision, or dizziness. The Chinese properties are sweet, bitter, and slightly cold.

Other names

• Ju Hua

Parts used

Flowering tops.

Uses

Longstanding remedy - Chrysanthemum has been taken in China as a medicine and as a beverage for thousands of years. Chrysanthemum was first categorized in the Divine Husbandman's Classic (Shen'nong Bencaojing), written in the 1st century AD.
Eye problems - In China, the infused flower heads are popular as a remedy for red, sore eyes, especially after long periods of close work, such as reading or working at a computer. The warm flower heads are placed on closed eyes and then replaced when cool. Chrysanthemum infusion is taken as a remedy to improve the eyesight.
Cooling & antiseptic - Chrysanthemum infusion is used to reduce fever, to counter infection, and to detoxify the body. Chrysanthemum relieves mild fevers and tension headaches, soothes a dry mouth or throat, and treats bad breath.
Skin complaints - The fresh leaves make an antiseptic poultice for acne, pimples, boils, and sores.
High blood pressure - Symptoms often associated with high blood pressure, such as dizziness, headaches, and tinnitus, are treated with chrysanthemum.
Convulsions - Chrysanthemum is given mixed with other herbs to children suffering from convulsions.

Habitat & cultivation

Chrysanthemum is native to China. Today, it is mostly cultivated, and is propagated from cuttings in spring or early summer. The flower heads are gathered in autumn when fully open. They are usually dried in the sun, which can take a long time.

Research

Blood pressure - A number of Chinese and Japanese clinical trials during the 1970s showed that chrysanthemum  is most effective at lowering blood pressure and relieving associated symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. In these trials, chrysanthemum was mixed with jin yin hua.
Other research - Chrysanthemum has proved to be helpful in the treatment of angina and to have an antibiotic effect.

Constituents

Chrysanthemum contains alkaloids, volatile oil, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, adenine, choline, stachydrine, chrysanthemin, and vitamin B1.

How much to take

Chrysanthemum may be drunk as an infusion, 200 ml (8 fl oz), taken three times a day. The Chinese dosage is 4.5 - 15 g (1/4 - 3/4 oz).

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