Chrysanthemums occasionally called mums or chrysanths are flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. They are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia and the center of diversity is in China. In China it is mostly produced in Henan, Zhejiang, Anhui, Shandong, Sichuan, Hebei and other provinces. Majority of them are cultivated but few of them are wild. Name “chrysanthemum” is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). The name was given by a Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus, who is known as the father of modern taxonomy. It is commonly known as Ju Hua in mandarin and Flos Chrysanthemi in Latin and is one of the best varieties for making chrysanthemum flower tea. Chrysanthemum is a valued ornamental flower that has been grown for more than 3,000 years. Now over 3,000 varieties have been found. This perennial autumn bloomer is a versatile plant most often used in flower beds or containers.
Plant
Chrysanthemum is an herbaceous perennial plant, 60-150 cm high. It is mostly found growing in mild cool climates and prefers fertile, moist, well-drained slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter in full sun. Erect stems are pubescent and branched or unbranched. Leaves are alternate with small handle; leaf blade is ovate to lanceolate, 5 to 15cm long, pinnatifid or pinnatilobate along with cuneate base. Capitulum is 2.5 to 20cm in diameter and in various sizes. Single or a few capitulums gather on the top of the stems. Ray florets are yellow to variously colored (pink, white, orange, lavender, purple, red, rust, bronze, olive-green) in cultivars with entire or triserrate oblong ligules. Disc florets yellow to pale greenish-yellow with 5-toothed corolla tube. Fruit of the plant is known as Cypsela which is obovoid, 1.5–2 mm, and light brown colored. Flowering time is from September to November.
History
Chrysanthemum is native to China. In China it is mostly produced in Anhui, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Hebei, Henan, Shandong and other provinces. Most of them are cultivated but there are some from the wild. It has been introduced as an ornamental toward Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australia and South Africa. Nowadays it is grown all over the world due to its ornamental flower as well as higher nutritional value.
Nutritional value
Apart from their ornamental flower, Chrysanthemum is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Consuming 51 gram of Chrysanthemum offers 90 µg of Vitamin B9, 0.481 mg of Manganese, 17 mg of Iron, 0.07 mg of Copper, 0.09 mg of Vitamin B6, 48 µg of Vitamin A, 289 mg of Potassium and 60 mg of Calcium.
Chrysanthemum Flower (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is consumed as a tea to nourish the Yin and as an herb to remove wind and occasional heat (irritation) from several parts of the body in normal, healthy individuals. For thousands of years it has been used in Asia. Chrysanthemum Flower is renowned for treating different health problems. Mentioned below are the benefits of chrysanthemum tea:
1. Cures Inflammation
Chrysanthemum tea acts as a coolant and helps in dealing minor rashes on the skin caused due to heat etc. You can apply the powdered form of this tea externally on the impacted area or drink it two to three times a day till symptoms disappear. It has amazing anti-inflammatory qualities that treat the swelling due to bee stings, broken muscles and allergic reactions too.
2. Against Heat Rashes
Chrysanthemum tea is also beneficial for heat rashes. According to Chinese doctors, chemical imbalances in the body are the main cause of heat rash. Chrysanthemum tea is one of the best cures for heat rash symptoms. Stay away from sugar and spicy foods since it may produce heat in the body.
3. Eye Health
Chrysanthemum tea is considered one of the best methods to cure various eye problems. For people with unstable vision, chrysanthemum tea improves the sharpness of vision. Chrysanthemum tea is quite beneficial for different eye problems, like blurriness of vision, watering of eyes, and spotty vision. Apart from that cataract disease can also be treated with the help of chrysanthemum. To get rid of tired eyes, drink chrysanthemum tea or apply it on your eyes, by sprinkling it into the eyes directly. However, before using chrysanthemum on eyes, it’s better to seek medical advice. The reason is that, sometimes, rare symptoms can be developed.
4. Providing the Body with Vitamin B
Chrysanthemum tea is a rich source of vitamin B like folacin and choline. Choline is quite beneficial for development and multiplying of the cells. It also helps in metabolism of fats within the body. For the normal functioning of gastrointestinal route, niacin is quite beneficial. So chrysanthemum tea helps the body in different ways as it contains vitamin B in it.
5. Lowers Cholesterol
People who are suffering from cholesterol issues must start consuming this tea daily. It naturally brings down the levels of low density cholesterol in the body and increase the high density cholesterol in the body. It is very extremely useful for obesity, heart and diabetes patients.
6. Improving Cardiovascular Functioning
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center claims that, due to chrysanthemum tea, the passage of blood in the coronary arteries is improved. Certain health problems like dizziness, insomnia and headaches are cured by the use of chrysanthemum tea. Because of antibiotics present in it, chrysanthemum tea is quite beneficial against chest pain.
7. Blood Cleansing
According to the City University of New York, chrysanthemum can also be used to remove toxins from the blood. Regular consumption of tea helps in the purifying blood. For getting rid of insomnia, you can take a cup of chrysanthemum tea. Chrysanthemum flowers, cinnamon, ginseng, and honey suckle are mixed together and they provide body with warmth and creates a kind of balance in the body. However, it is best to consult with the doctor before taking it for cleaning blood.
8. Alleviate Cold Symptoms
For treating hot colds, Chrysanthemum tea has been used in the Chinese culture for dealing with cold symptoms. It is beneficial against headaches and cold and has a direct effect on fever, because of its cooling properties. It is also found beneficial for dealing with cold and flu. Chrysanthemum flowers, honeysuckle flowers and peppermint are required for making chrysanthemum tea. Put these herbs in boiling water. Allow the pot to cool down and drink it every two hours for beneficial result.
9. Blood Pressure
Hypertension (abnormal blood pressure level) can also be treated with the herbal tonics which include chrysanthemum. In Asia, chrysanthemum tea is used for treating the symptoms related with the changes in blood pressure; these include dizziness, tinnitus and headaches. Other than this, several cardiac problems can also be treated by chrysanthemum, like angina.
Research also supports that chrysanthemum is beneficial for treating cardiac and blood pressure problems. However, if you are taking other medications along with chrysanthemum, consult your doctor before taking chrysanthemum tea. Also for more serious conditions, it is suitable not to take these drugs without the consultation with your doctor.
How to Consume
Leaves are cooked or boiled and used as greens or as fritters.
Leaves may be used to flavor vinegar.
An aromatic tea is also made from the leaves.
Flowering heads and petals are parboiled, seasoned with vinegar or soya sauce, and served as a salad with tofu.
Theyare prepared as tempura, dried, pickled or added to soups.
Chrysanthemum petals are mixed into a thick snake meat soup to enhance the flavor in Chinese cuisine.
Small chrysanthemum flowers are used as garnish in sashimi in Japan.
A tangy aromatic tea is made from the flowers or flower petals, commonly called chrysanthemum tea, and is drunk without or with little sugar or honey.
A rice wine flavored with chrysanthemum flowers is called ‘gukhwaju’ in Korea.
Other traditional Uses and benefits of chrysanthemum
Flowers are considered as carminative, antibacterial, antifungal, depurative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, ophthalmic, sedative, anti-inflammatory and refrigerant.
Flowers of C. indicum and C. morifolium (Kangiku) are listed in Japanese pharmacopeia as treatments of cephalalgia, vertigo and eye inflammation.
Flowers have been used as a medication for detoxification, as an antipyretic and antiphlogistic, and for the treatment of some eye problems, such as blurred vision, itching, loss of vision, tired eyes or redness of the eyes.
Flowers are taken internally as a refreshing tisane to stimulate blood circulation, improve vision, treat hypertension, counter infections, soothe sore eyes, relieve headaches and dizziness, cold, coronary heart diseases, chronic inflammation and angina.
Decoction of flowers is used to promote menstruation, as a wash for infected and cancerous sores and carbuncles and as poultice for enlarged glands.
Flowers soaked in wine are used to restore vital functions for a variety of digestive, circulatory and nervous problems.
Decoction of flowers and leaves is used for stomachache and as an enema.
Leaf juice is smeared on wounds.
Other Facts
Garden chrysanthemum or Florist chrysanthemum is commonly grown as ornamental plants for their attractive, decorative and variously colored flowers.
Chrysanthemums are grown for their cut flowers, in the open or in greenhouses; they are also excellent when grown in pots as garden ornamentals.
Potted chrysanthemums can be grown indoors in order to help remove toxins from the atmosphere.
How to make Chrysanthemum tea
Chrysanthemum flowers have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It may help increase blood flow and have anti-histamine, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, chrysanthemum tea is light and refreshing, often served in the balmy summer months.
Collect about 10-to-20 yellow chrysanthemum flowers and clean completely to remove any dirts. Dried flowers may also be used.
Put flowers in a teapot or small cooking pot. Bagged tea, loose tea leaves or other fresh or dried herbs can also be added.
Pour three cups of boiling water over the chrysanthemums and other ingredients in the teapot.
Steep the tea for two to three minutes. Steep longer if you favor a bolder-tasting tea.
Pour tea into a cup and sweeten as desired. Allow to cool slightly before drinking to avoid burning your mouth. Tea may also be chilled or poured over ice and served cold.
Chrysanthemum Side Effects
Although there is a multitude of chrysanthemum benefits, there are also a number of well-known chrysanthemum side effects on health. Some of the common side effects of chrysanthemum are as follows:
1. Contact dermatitis
Chrysanthemums may cause contact dermatitis in some people and red, itchy patches of skin characterize this condition. This skin problem occurs due to chemical component in either the plant that irritates the skin or because the individual is allergic to the plant.
2. Allergies
People who are responsive to allergens might have allergic reactions to chrysanthemum. People allergic to flowers from the daisy family should avoid chrysanthemums so far as possible since they may deteriorate their allergic reactions. Chrysanthemum cause mild reactions like skin rash as well as serious reactions like hives or asthma.
3. Pregnancy
Use of chrysanthemums or products containing chrysanthemum is not recommended during pregnancy, as there is insufficient proof to support the safety of chrysanthemums during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
4. Photosensitivity
People suffering from skin sensitivity may also experience photosensitivity if their skin is first exposed to chrysanthemum and then to ultraviolet light.
5. Insulin sensitivity
Particular chrysanthemum products may encourage insulin sensitivity in people suffering from non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Therefore, patients taking insulin should refrain using any chrysanthemum products.
6. Poisoning
Chemicals known as pyrethrins are present in chrysanthemums and these chemicals are used to make pesticides and insecticides. These chemicals in chrysanthemums may cause problems like eye damage, poisoning, and inflammation of the central nervous system because of prolonged exposure to the products.
7. Additive effects
Individuals using drugs for HIV/AIDS, cancer and other inflammatory diseases must evade chrysanthemum products since these may negatively interact with the medicines and may prevent or intensify their effect on the body.
