September 13, 2002

CHRYSANTHEMUM

Latin Name: Chrysanthemum morifolium

Alternate Names: Ju Hua (Chinese), Sevanti (Sanskrit)

Family: ASTERACEAE

Parts Used: Flowers, gathered in late autumn.

Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Febrifuge, Galactagogue, Hypotensive, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Allergies, Anger, Boils, Colds, Eye Redness, Fever, Flu, Halitosis, Headache, Hypertension, Insomnia, Irritability, Liver Stagnation, Night Blindness, Parasites, Skin Inflammation, Vertigo

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Chrysanthemum flowers are excellent for counteracting inflammation. They help improve vision and are used for a wide range of eye problems such as eye soreness, redness, lachrimation, night blindness, floaters and strain due to long days in front of computer screens. Research is demonstrating Chrysanthemum's potential in treating angina by dilating coronary arteries. It is also proving to be antibiotic against a wide range of pathogens. Chrysanthemum flowers are combined with other herbs to treat childhood convulsions.

Topical Uses: Eye Soreness, Skin Infection

Topical Applications: Flowers are cooled and laid on closed eyes as a compress to relieve soreness. Juice of fresh plant is applied to skin infections.

Culinary uses: Flowers can be added to stir fry dishes.

Energetics: Sweet, Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Stachydrine, flavonoids, betaine, choline, vitamin B-1.

Contraindications: Some people may be allergic to this ragweed relative.

Comments: The name, Chrysanthemum is derived from the Greek, chyros, meaning 'golden' and anthos, meaning 'flower'. The flowers purify the blood and in Chinese Medicine are used as a cooling summer beverage.

The common name Chrysanthemum includes the species Chrysanthemum sinense and Chrysanthemum indicum, which are used interchangeably with Chrysanthemum morifolium.

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), September 13, 2002

Answers

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), September 13, 2002.