Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum morifolium, C. sinense

Chrysanthemum morifolium

Common Names
Chrysanthemum , Mums, Ju Hua, Chu Hua,Florist's Chrysanthemum
Botanical Name
Chrysanthemum morifolium, C. sinense
Syn. Dendranthema morifolium
Family
ASTERACEAE

Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Chrysanthemum

How to Use| Side Effects | Plant & Garden|

Medicinal Uses: * Allergies * Ayurvedic * Cardiovascular * Eyes/Vision * Flu * Hypertension * Sore Throat
Properties: * Anti-inflammatory * Antibacterial * Aromatic * Demulcent * Febrifuge * Hepatic * Hypotensive * Refrigerant
Parts Used: flowers
Constituents: ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, folacin, iron, magnesium, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, essential oils.

How to Use: Chrysanthemum

We value the chrysanthemum for their burst of fall color that signals the approach of winter, but like many ornamental plants, chrysanthemums have an ancient reputation in the East as a medicinal plant.

Preparation Methods & Dosage : When making the tea, steep the flowers gently in hot water for no more than 10 minutes in a closed vessel, to preserve the essential oil. Powder may be taken in capsule form.

Chrysanthemum Remedies

Traditional Chinese Medicine Ju-hua is used in Chinese medicine in prescriptions for colds with wind, and heat, headache, inflamed eyes, swelling and pain in the throat, vertigo, tinnitus, sores such as boils, and tightness of the chest with anxiety. Chrysanthemum flowers soaked in rice wine are a historical restorative drink. Chrysanthemum is combined with Japanese honeysuckle in the treatment of high blood pressure. ¹

Ayurvedic Medicine ayurvedic medicinea Sevanti Chrysanthemum flower is a cooling anti-Pitta remedy with an affinity for the head. It cools pitta in the eyes and helps vision. ³

Chrysanthemum Side Effects: None noted

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Plant Description

Fall yellow mums in bloom

Mums are the undisputed queen of the fall flowers, and are one of the most cultivated flowers in America. Chrysanthemum are one instance where the botanical name has become the common name, shorted to "mums". The genus name Chrysanthemum was published by Linnaeus in 1753, combined the Greek words chrysos, meaning gold with anthemon, meaning flower. These ancient species, bear little resemblance to today's showy blooms. The earliest illustrations of mums show them as tall, leafy plants with small, yellow daisy-like flowers.

Regional Traditions :Ayurvedic * Traditional Chinese Medicine *

How to Grow Chrysanthemum

Rich well drained soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. Many cultivars need to be protected from cold temperatures in the winter. Propagate by cuttings in the spring. Flowers are gathered in in autumn. The Chinese steam the flowers before drying to reduce bitterness.

History and Traditions & Folklore

The chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb and both the leaves and the flowers are mentioned in medical texts in published around 500 A.D. ¹. Around the 8th century A.D., the chrysanthemum appeared in Japan, where they adopted a single flowered chrysanthemum as the crest and official seal of the Emperor. National Chrysanthemum Society . Florist's chrysanthemums were introduced to the West from China in the 18th century.

References:

Works Cited

Herbal Emissaries (1992)
National Chrysanthemum Society
Khalsa, Karta Purkh Singh, Michael Tierra. "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs", Lotus, (2008)

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