Chrysanthemum Herbs

The chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is the national flower of Japan and considered one of the most important herbs used in traditional Japanese medicine, according to the Herbal Remedies Info website. Chrysanthemums, also known as chu hua and mum, are native to both Japan and China, and are now grown all over the world and used medicinally in many cultures.

Types

• Chrysanthemums come in different colors; the most common are white and yellow. Different colored flowers are used to treat different conditions. White chrysanthemums treat visual acuity and dizziness, while the yellow flowers are most often used to treat fever, headaches, sore throat, colds, flu and chills. The wild varieties have smaller flower heads while the domesticated types have large flower heads. Wild chrysanthemums are believed to be more effective than the cultivated varieties for treating abscesses.

Medicinal Parts

• The flowers of the chrysanthemum are most often used for medicinal purposes. Flowers are sometimes used raw for their volatile oils made up of several amino acids, small amounts of B1, camphor, borneol and adenine. The aerial parts of the plant are also used, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website.

Traditional Medicine

• In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the herb is also known as ju hua and is used for eye health. Chrysanthemum corrects the imbalances in kidney and liver function that results in blurred vision, dry eyes, spots in front of the eyes, dizziness and excessive tearing. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, TCM use also includes the treatment of angina and hypertension.

Additional Uses

• The chrysanthemum contains compounds that fight topical staph infections and has antibiotic properties that remedy infection in the body, according to the Herbal Remedies Info. Chrysanthemum is also used to treat headaches that accompany infections, as well as vertigo and carbuncle boils.

Preparations

• The typical way to use chrysanthemum is in a tea preparation. Tea should be allowed to steep in hot water for up to 10 minutes in a closed container to preserve the essential oil. Chrysanthemum preparations are also available as a tincture, cream, lotion and in capsule form. Dosages depend on the condition being treated.

Safety

• Using chrysanthemum may cause photo-sensitivity, hypersensitivity and contact dermatitis in some people. The plant may also cause an allergic reaction to those who have an allergy to ragweed, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.