There's an Herb for That: Chrysanthemum
In this post, I identify signs and symptoms that can be alleviated by the flower, Chrysanthemum. This herb is otherwise known as Ju Hua in Chinese Medicine.
Before we get started, "There's an Herb for That" is an ongoing series that identifies common signs and symptoms that can be alleviated by herbal medicine. Within each post, I will identify a single herb that you can use for those specific signs and symptoms. Pretty cool, hu?
Let's dive in with Chrysanthemum. This herb is your go-to for signs and symptoms that have heat. You may be asking, "What do you mean by, "heat"? Great question!
Click to the image below to watch my video or continue reading below!
The Presence of Heat
Heat in Chinese Medicine is any sign or symptom that is hot. When it's hot, it's usually red too. So heat equals hot and red. Simple, simple.
Chrysanthemum is slightly cold in temperature. The slightly cold temperature of Chrysanthemum will clear the heat you are experiencing.
Chrysanthemum can be used for heat signs and symptoms such as:
- Dry, red, swollen eyes
- A sore throat
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- A tension headache
- Dizziness
- Restless mind
- Rashes
- Acne
Say What?
Are you puzzled at all by that list? The first three listed clearly show signs of hot and red. We may have even experienced one of those three.
But what about the following four on the list? How are those heat related?
High blood pressure is seen as heat because the force of blood against our artery walls is high. There's a lot of it rushing quickly through our body. Similarly to a fire, heat rises and rushes. In order to quell the heat, we want to add a slightly cold herb like Chrysanthemum to cool it down. Thus, reducing high blood pressure.
Dizziness can be a symptom of high blood pressure. By reducing the high blood pressure with Chrysanthemum, we'll also alleviate dizziness.
A Headache can also be a symptom of high blood pressure. In this instance, we're referring to headaches that are sharp. As opposed to those that are dull. A sharp headache is also like a rushing fire. There's to much and it needs to be cooled down
A restless mind creates heat. When our mind is running around it generates heat. Take yourself back to a time when you could not stop thinking. You may have found yourself becoming physically hot or even sweating slightly. A restless mind can be alleviated by the cooling property of Chrysanthemum.
The last two on the list above, rashes and ache, are visible signs of heat. Easy-peasy.
How to Use Chrysanthemum
There are several ways that you can use Chrysanthemum for medicinal use.
One of the most common ways is by way of infusion. An infusion means to take your desired amount of Chrysanthemum and pour hot water over the herb. Once the herb is infused in the hot water, drink.
You can also use Chrysanthemum as a topical compress or poultice. This option is great for rashes and acne.
To make a poultice, coarsely cut or crush the herbs then steep in a small amount of hot water. Once steeped, grab your gauze and allow it to soak up the water that the herb was steeped in. Place the herbs on the red-hot area then wrap the area and herbs with the gauze. You can also wrap the herbs in the gauze and place them over the desired area. I like this route for dry, red, swollen eyes.
Which reminds me of a quick story about Chrysanthemum!
How I've Used Chrysanthemum in Real Life
A few years ago our family dog was outside playing with the water coming from a garden hose. That hose happened to be spraying out fertilizer too. Her whole body was covered in water and fertilizer. The chemicals in the fertilizer caused her eyes to become swollen, itchy, and red. Our dog was clearly uncomfortable. I grabbed my Chrysanthemum and made a warm compress. I then applied to it her eyes multiple times that day. Her eyes began to clear with each application. The next day, her eyes were completely back to normal! The Chrysanthemum had relieved her red itchy eyes. We had a happy and healthy dog again.
Western Medicine and Chrysanthemum
Western Medicine research tells us that Chrysanthemum:
- Is an antiseptic
- Is antibiotic
- Can successfully lower blood pressure
- Will reduce a fever
Why Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is powerful. It teaches us that we can heal from plants. We can also use herbal medicine to remove or reduce the use of pharmaceuticals and over the counter medications. Herbal medicine can be used for acute and chronic issues.
It is my intention to help you understand herbal medicine and it’s healing strength. From this information, you'll feel confident in choosing and using herbs for your own well-being.
Go out and grab some Chrysanthemum and try it out. You can also find this herb within prepared tea bags at health foods stores. I personally like Yogi Tea or Traditional Medicinals. Grab some and let me know what you think!
Take your application of herbal medicine one step further! Go beyond the basic of herbal medicine with me. Enroll in my four part series, "Beyond the Benefits: Kitchen Herb for Health." We cover seven common kitchen herbs for medicinal use.
Please share in the comment below any experience yo've had using Chrysanthemum before or after this post! Share this with your friends too. Knowledge increases a healthy body and mind.
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Disclaimer: This information is intended for general reference only. It is not a replacement for professional health advice. The content in this post intentionally does not provide dosage information or possible interactions with prescription drugs or other medications. Please contact a certified health practitioner such as a physician of Oriental Medicine or Herbalist before considering use. To schedule an appointment with Malerie, visit the services page.
