Chrysanthemum

USES

Recent research about oral chrysanthemum supplements has confirmed what TCM practitioners have said for centuries; chrysanthemum decoctions can dramatically improve the lives of people living with chronic health conditions. Though we don’t fully understand yet how chrysanthemum has this effect, we know that it can help reduce inflammation and slow the progress of arthritis. What’s more, oral use of chrysanthemum extract provides a non-habit-forming therapy for people with insomnia. Plus, the potent antioxidant effects of chrysanthemum tea can help stave off the physical and cognitive effects of aging, as it shows promise for fighting inflammation and oxidative stress.

Studies have also found that drinking chrysanthemum tea may help control the symptoms of chronic digestive illness (like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBS), as well as helping people recover from bouts of gastrointestinal distress. This is because chrysanthemum supplements may help restore the balance of gut flora (similar to a probiotic) while also helping to calm inflammation in the GI tract. Due to its effects on the GI tract, chrysanthemum flower tea may also be effective in helping people lose weight and control the complications of obesity.

Aside from its oral uses, chrysanthemum extract has both topical and inhaled applications. Research shows that inhaling the fumes of chrysanthemum extract may reduce blood pressure and heart rate and also provide both mental and physical relaxation. This is because it impacts alpha- and theta-wave brain activity that are often associated with consciousness and anxiety. Consequently, inhaling the fumes of chrysanthemum extracts may help to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Chrysanthemum extracts also serve as an effective topical treatment for head lice.

PREPARATION & ADMINISTRATION

Chrysanthemum flowers are the most common ingredient of chrysanthemum supplements. Preparation includes using the whole, dried flower (or its crushed/powdered/extracted derivatives) to make a decoction, infusion, or tea. These may then be used topically, ingested, or inhaled.

PRECAUTIONS

At this time, there are no known significant side-effects of or contraindications for the use of chrysanthemum supplements. Nevertheless, people who have serious health conditions, pregnant, or breastfeeding should talk with their doctor before using any supplements — oral, topical, or inhaled — that may alter their blood pressure or other essential biometrics. Additionally, people who have an allergy to ragweed should avoid taking chrysanthemum supplements, as these plants are in the same family and may cause the same kinds of allergic reactions.

You should consult with a certified herbalist, physician or other qualified healthcare professional before taking chrysanthemum.

REFERENCES

Cha, Ji‑Yun, et al. “Chrysanthemum�indicum L. Ethanol Extract Reduces High‑Fat Diet‑Induced Obesity in Mice.” Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, Oct. 2018, doi:10.3892/etm.2018.6042.

Costa, Lucio G. “The Neurotoxicity of Organochlorine and Pyrethroid Pesticides.” Handbook of Clinical Neurology, Elsevier, 10 Nov. 2015, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444626271000093.

Dong, Mei, et al. “The Protective Effect of Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract against Ankylosing Spondylitis in Mouse Models.” BioMed Research International, vol. 2017, 2017, pp. 1–7., doi:10.1155/2017/8206281.

Kim, A-Ram, et al. “The Extract of Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Var. Latilobum Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2016,

Kim, Da-Som, et al. “Effect of Volatile Organic Chemicals in Chrysanthemum Indicum Linné on Blood Pressure and Electroencephalogram.” Molecules, vol. 23, no. 8, 2018, p. 2063., doi:10.3390/molecules23082063.

Kim, Jae-Wook, et al. “Ethanol Extract of the Flower Chrysanthemum Morifolium Augments Pentobarbital-Induced Sleep Behaviors: Involvement of Cl Channel Activation.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2011,

Tao, Jin-Hua, et al. “Polysaccharides from Chrysanthemum Morifolium Ramat Ameliorate Colitis Rats by Modulating the Intestinal Microbiota Community.” Oncotarget, vol. 8, no. 46, 2017, doi:10.18632/oncotarget.20477.

Wang, Feng, et al. “Antioxidant Activities of Aqueous Extracts from 12 Chinese Edible Flowers in Vitro and in Vivo.” Food & Nutrition Research, vol. 61, no. 1, 2016, p. 1265324., doi:10.1080/16546628.2017.1265324.