Chrysanthemum

26Dec07

Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum indicum or Chrysanthemum x morifolium

AKA: Florist’s chrysanthemum, Ju hua

Portrait: Perennial. Indigenous to China. Widely cultivated throughout the world as a garden ornamental. Bright yellow flowers may take many flower shapes, from lush double petals to single daisy-like petals. Flowers are harvested in autumn when in full bloom.

Medicinal Element: Flowers, leaves

Herbal Properties: Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, febrifuge

Summary: A popular medicinal herb in China for thousands of years, chrysanthemum preparations, particularly the infusion, are used mainly for hot, feverish, inflammatory conditions. The warm tea is sipped to lower blood pressure and relieve associated symptoms including headache, dizziness, hearing problems such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and insomnia. Gently heated chrysanthemum flower heads can be applied to closed eyelids to treat eye strain, conjunctivitis, itchiness, redness, and blurred vision. Cooling and antiseptic, a poultice of freshly ground leaves can be used to draw infections from boils, sores, pimples, and acne. Do not ingest preparations containing chrysanthemum if suffering from diarrhea.

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