The genus Chrysanthemum comprises flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, native primarily to East Asia and northeastern Europe. China is recognized as the center of diversity, where cultivation began as early as the 15th century BCE. This herbaceous perennial has evolved into thousands of distinct horticultural varieties globally due to extensive breeding. Chrysanthemum is integrated deeply into culinary, medicinal, and agricultural practices worldwide.
Primary Culinary and Beverage Applications
The most common way people consume chrysanthemum is through an infusion known as chrysanthemum tea, or Jú huā chá in Chinese. The dried flower heads, typically from species such as Chrysanthemum morifolium or C. indicum, are steeped in hot water. This yields a beverage with a pale golden color and a mild, floral fragrance, remaining a staple across East and Southeast Asia.
The tea is often served lightly sweetened with rock sugar or honey, and the dried flowers can be re-steeped multiple times. Beyond the flowers, other parts of the plant are edible and used in cooking. Young leaves and stalks are sometimes blanched, steamed, or boiled and incorporated into various vegetable dishes. Fresh petals and flowers are used as an aromatic garnish or flavor additive in regional cuisines, particularly in Chinese hot pots and certain soups.
Traditional Herbal Medicine Applications
Chrysanthemum flowers have a history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that spans over 2,200 years. In TCM philosophy, the flower, known as Jú Huā, is categorized as a “cooling” herb. This cooling property is traditionally employed to help restore balance, particularly when symptoms manifest as signs of internal overheating.
The herb is frequently used to clear “wind-heat,” which is associated with symptoms like fever, headaches, and dizziness. A prominent traditional application involves the eyes, where chrysanthemum is used to improve eyesight and relieve redness, dryness, and blurring vision. This action is attributed to its traditional connection to the Liver organ system, which TCM links to eye function. The traditional Materia Medica suggests its use for external conditions like conjunctivitis and for internal issues such as high blood pressure.
Modern Phytochemical Insights and Actions
Scientific analysis has identified and isolated the plant’s active compounds, which largely include flavonoids, terpenoids, and volatile oils. Among the most studied compounds are the flavonoids luteolin and apigenin, often found as glycosides. These phenolic compounds are responsible for much of the observed biological activity.
The plant extracts have demonstrated antioxidant activity, attributed to these flavonoids neutralizing unstable molecules in the body. This antioxidant capacity contributes to the plant’s hepatoprotective properties, shielding the liver from damage. Chrysanthemum extracts also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, often associated with the ability of flavonoids like luteolin to modulate various inflammatory pathways.
Research supports the plant’s traditional use for cardiovascular conditions, showing that extracts may help reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow. These compounds also contribute to the plant’s therapeutic potential, including antimicrobial and anti-obesity activities. Specifically, the flavonoids in Chrysanthemum morifolium have been linked to improved alcohol metabolism and a protective effect against alcohol-associated liver damage.
Non-Ingestible and Horticultural Uses
Outside of consumption, the most widespread use of the chrysanthemum is as an ornamental garden plant, celebrated for its diverse flower shapes and colors. Thousands of cultivars exist globally, making it a popular choice for both professional floriculture and home gardening.
The plant also serves a significant function in pest control due to the production of natural chemicals called pyrethrins. These compounds are primarily extracted from the dried flower heads of specific species, such as Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium. Pyrethrins act as a neurotoxin to insects, leading to paralysis and death, and are widely used in commercial organic insecticides.
Pyrethrin-based products are favored because the compounds break down rapidly when exposed to sunlight, reducing the risk of long-term environmental residue. Historically, the dried flower powder, known as pyrethrum, was used as a natural household insect repellent and for treating external parasites like lice. Gardeners can use the plants themselves as a natural pest deterrent by planting them near susceptible crops.