Chrysanthemum Indicum or Ye Ju Hua 野菊花 is another medicinal plant that has been used for hundreds of years in Chinese Medicine for its unparalleled power at quelling inflammations. This unassuming perennial grows freely and wild in many parts of Asia. Ye Ju Hua is a small but mighty flower with herbaceous, cleansing, and spicy fragrance as well as great benefits for our organs and skin.
Wild Chrysanthemum Health Benefits
The healing properties of chrysanthemum flowers have been valued since the Song Dynasty in China. Centuries later, this herb is still popular in traditional Chinese medicine for its vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
Liver and Lungs Benefits
Bitter, acrid, and cold in nature, Ye Ju Hua enters the Lung and Liver channels. In TCM, it is often used to detoxify the liver (which in turn leads to blood purification) and improve liver function. In addition, the liver is responsible for balancing hormonal production, which means that its cleansing eliminates nervous disorders and mood swings. As for the lungs, chrysanthemum soothes and strengthens them, especially when you suffer from phlegm, sinusitis or shortness of breath.
Heat Cleansing
Due to its cooling nature, wild chrysanthemum tea remains a popular drink in Asia during the summer months. It relieves the symptoms of sore throat and fever and may help with heat stroke. Chrysanthemum tea is also prescribed in TCM for women going through menopause as its cooling effect is great for hot flashes.
Eye Health Protection
Chrysanthemum contains a set of vitamins Bs, C, and A, which together have a beneficial effect on the eyes. In particular, chrysanthemum extract is able to cope with blurred vision and protect the eyes from retinal neuropathy and cataracts. In addition, having an anti-inflammatory effect, this plant can reduce redness and swelling of the eyes.
Chrysanthemum Skin Benefits
Traditionally the chrysanthemum flowers are used as a wash or poultice to treat boils, sores, and abscesses. Indigenous people from southwest China use this flower to prevent uv-induced skin damage. Today, science has expanded the list of healing properties of this plant.
Skin Injuries & Diseases Fight
Сhrysanthemum flower contains powerful antioxidant compounds and vitamin A. Therefore, its external use is effective in eliminating irritation, redness, swelling and puffiness on the skin. Moreover, such content of useful substances in this plant helps to treat even skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.
Skin Rejuvenation
The study revealed a high content of flavonoids in the chrysanthemum plant. They help fight free radicals and regulate cellular activity. Therefore, chrysanthemum has an anti-aging effect and helps to significantly reduce the signs of aging such as wrinkles, blemishes, and age spots.
The chrysanthemum is another example of how a beautiful plant can serve more than just pleasing the eye. By adding it to your daily self-care rituals, you will understand exactly why TCM practitioners have treasured the chrysanthemum through the ages.
