Description
In TCM, Dried Chrysanthemum flowers are not just a pleasant tea; they are a powerful and commonly used as herbal medicine. Their ability to cool and clear heat.
Cool in nature. Pungent (Acrid), Sweet, Bitter in taste. It enters the lung and liver meridians.
Its cool nature helps to reduce “heat,” while its pungent and sweet flavours help to disperse and harmonise. Its primary affinity for the Liver meridian is key to its most famous uses.
Dried chrysanthemum’s main actions revolve around clearing heat and wind, particularly from the head and eyes.
Health Benefits : Clears liver heat, detox and protect the liver, reduces inflammation, improves vision, treat tired, dry, itchy, red eyes and headache, relieves sore throat, treat wind-heat symptoms.
Disperses Wind-Heat : This is its primary use for external conditions. It is a core herb for treating the common cold or flu that presents with “wind-heat” symptoms, such as :
· Fever (more than chills)
· Sore throat
· Headache
· Mild body aches
Clears Liver Fire and Benefits the Eyes : This is its most famous internal use. The Liver meridian opens into the eyes, and when Liver Yang rises or Liver Fire flares up, it affects the head and eyes. Chrysanthemum is specific for treating :
· Red, swollen, dry, painful, itchy, tired or blurry eyes
· Headaches and dizziness associated with high blood pressure or Liver Yang rising.
· Irritability
Clears Heat and Toxins : It has a mild action in clearing “toxic heat,” which can manifest as:
· Boils, skin sores, and carbuncles
Brightens the Eyes : While this is part of calming the Liver, it’s often listed separately. It nourishes the eyes and improves vision, making it a go-to herb for eye strain from computer use, reading, or aging.
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Tea for Eye Health : The most common modern use is as a daily tea for people with desk jobs, students, or anyone suffering from digital eye strain. It helps reduce redness, dryness, and fatigue.
· Hypertension and Headaches : Due to its Liver-calming function, it is often used in formulas or as a simple tea to help manage hypertension and the accompanying headaches and dizziness.
· Common Cold & Flu : At the first sign of a “hot” cold (sore throat, yellow phlegm, fever), a strong cup of chrysanthemum tea can help dispel the pathogen.
· Skin Inflammation : Used topically in washes or internally for inflammatory skin conditions like acne and eczema driven by heat.
· Nervous Tension and Irritability : Its cooling and descending nature can help soothe irritability and a feeling of being “wired,” often associated with Liver Fire.
Precautions
· Spleen Qi Deficiency with Cold : If you tend to feel cold easily, have loose stools, poor appetite, or chronic fatigue, use chrysanthemum with caution or avoid it. Its cool nature can further weaken the digestive “fire” (Spleen Yang).
· Pregnancy and Breastfeeding : While occasional tea is likely fine, it is best to consult a TCM practitioner before medicinal use. All herbs are not for infants.
· Allergies : Those allergic to the daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae) should avoid it.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
Common Usage and Preparation
The most common and simple method is as a tea or infusion.
Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
