Chrysanthemum morifolium (Asteraceae) Shevanti, Florist's Chrysanthemum

This flower is foremost a Hepatic and Ocular Anti-inflammatory , most notably used to treat red, painful, dry eyes, headaches with dizziness, and blurred vision associated with inflammation or "heat" patterns. It is a classic remedy for soothing eye strain and clearing visual acuity. Also used as a Gentle Antipyretic (fever reducer) for early-stage colds with fever and sore throat, and as a Cardiovascular Tonic studied for its mild blood pressure-regulating and antioxidant effects on blood vessels.

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (Often treated as Chrysanthemum × morifolium)

Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)

Genus: Chrysanthemum

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Matricaria chamomilla (Babuna/Chamomile): A premier nervine, carminative, and anti-inflammatory herb used for digestion, anxiety, and skin health.

· Artemisia annua (Qing Hao/Sweet Wormwood): The source of artemisinin, a vital antimalarial compound.

· Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower): A widely used immunostimulant for colds and respiratory infections.

· Calendula officinalis (Marigold, Zergul): A cornerstone vulnerary and anti-inflammatory herb for wound healing and skin conditions.

The Asteraceae family is vast and medicinally prolific, containing many herbs prized for their anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, and detoxifying properties. While C. morifolium is central to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), related species find use in global traditions.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum morifolium | English: Florist's Chrysanthemum, Hardy Garden Mum | Sanskrit: चन्द्रमल्लिका (Chandramallika), शेवन्ती (Shevanti) | Hindi: गुलदाउदी (Guldaudi), शेवन्ती (Shevanti) | Tamil: சாமந்தி (Samandi), செவ்வந்தி (Sevvandi) | Telugu: చామంతి (Chamanti), జముడి పువ్వు (Jamudi Puvvu) | Kannada: ಸೇವಂತಿಗೆ (Sevantige), ದಾವಣಿ ಹೂವು (Davani Hoovu) | Malayalam: ജമന്തിപ്പൂ (Jamanthippoo), ചെമന്തിപ്പൂ (Chemanthippoo) | Marathi: शेवंती (Shevanti), चंद्रमल्लिका (Chandramallika) | Bengali: চন্দ্রমল্লিকা (Chandramallika) | Chinese: Júhuā (菊花) | Japanese: Kiku (キク) | Korean: Gukhwa (국화) |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Cooling (Sheetavirya), Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective (liver protective), Neuroprotective, Mild Diaphoretic (fever-reducing), Ophthalmic (eye health), Hypertensive (lowers blood pressure), Antimicrobial.

Medicinal Parts:

The flowers are the primary medicinal part.

· Flowers (Dried or Fresh): Used for teas (Chrysanthemum tea), decoctions, infusions, and topical washes.

· Essential Oil: Distilled from flowers for aromatic and topical use.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Luteolin, Apigenin, Acacetin): Provide potent Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Neuroprotective, and potential Anticancer activities. They are key to its therapeutic effects.

Phenolic Acids (Chlorogenic Acid, Caffeic Acid): Enhance Antioxidant capacity and contribute to Hepatoprotective and Hypotensive effects.

Sesquiterpene Lactones: Contribute to the Anti-inflammatory and potential Antimicrobial properties.

Volatile Oils (Camphor, Borneol, Chrysanthenone): Responsible for the characteristic aroma and provide Antimicrobial and mild Analgesic effects.

Vitamin A & Beta-Carotene: Support Ophthalmic health and vision.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Pitta Shamaka (Pacifies Pitta) & Daha (Burning Sensations)

Formulation: Juhua Cha (Chrysanthemum flower tea).

Preparation & Use: In TCM and Ayurvedic-inspired practice, a tea made from the dried flowers is consumed to clear heat from the body, manifesting as fever, headache, sore throat, and skin rashes. It is a classic summer cooling beverage.

Reasoning: Its cooling energy (Sheeta Virya) and anti-inflammatory flavonoids directly counteract excessive Pitta dosha and inflammatory heat.

Akshi Roga (Eye Disorders) & Netra Daha (Burning Eyes)

Formulation: Cool flower infusion as an eyewash or compress.

Preparation & Use: A sterile, cooled decoction of the flowers is used as a gentle eyewash for conjunctivitis, tired, burning eyes, or blurred vision. A compress soaked in the tea is placed on closed eyelids.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds soothe irritation, while Vitamin A supports retinal health. Sterility is paramount.

Raktagata Vata (Hypertension) & Hriddaha (Cardiac Discomfort)

Formulation: Regular consumption of chrysanthemum tea.

Preparation & Use: The tea is used in TCM as a mild hypotensive agent to help lower blood pressure and relieve sensations of chest tightness or anxiety related to the heart.

Reasoning: Flavonoids like acacetin promote vasodilation and have a calming effect on the nervous system, supporting cardiovascular function.

Yakrit Vikara (Liver Disorders) & Vishaghna (Detoxifier)

Formulation: Chrysanthemum tea combined with Guduchi or Bhringraj.

Preparation & Use: The flower tea is consumed to support liver detoxification, protect liver cells from damage, and aid in recovery from jaundice or hepatitis.

Reasoning: The hepatoprotective flavonoids and antioxidants help neutralize toxins and reduce inflammation in the liver.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The flowers are primarily used to make a fragrant, slightly bitter herbal tea. They are also used in soups and as a decorative, edible garnish in some Asian cuisines.

Cooling Chrysanthemum Tea (Juhua Cha)

Purpose: To reduce internal heat, fever, and headache.

Preparation & Use:

1. Place 3-5 dried chrysanthemum flowers in a cup.

2. Pour freshly boiled water over them and steep for 5-7 minutes.

3. Strain and drink. Can be sweetened with rock sugar or honey. Enjoy 1-2 cups daily.

Soothing Eye Compress

Purpose: For tired, puffy, or irritated eyes.

Preparation & Use:

1. Steep 2 tablespoons of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes.

2. Strain thoroughly and let the liquid cool completely in a sterile container.

3. Soak two clean cotton pads in the cool liquid, lie down, and place them over closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes.

7. In-Depth Phytochemical Profile and Clinical Significance of Chrysanthemum morifolium (Chrysanthemum, Ju Hua)

Chrysanthemum morifolium, commonly known as Chrysanthemum or Ju Hua in Traditional Chinese Medicine . In TCM, it is classified as a "cooling" herb that disperses wind-heat, clears liver heat, and brightens the eyes. Its therapeutic profile is built on a sophisticated synergy of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and a characteristic volatile oil, with a primary emphasis on anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and ocular health benefits. It represents a premier example of a gentle yet potent functional beverage herb with systemic effects.

1. Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids (The Core Therapeutic Matrix)

Key Compounds:

This matrix forms the foundation of chrysanthemum's antioxidant and bioactive properties.

· Flavonoids: Luteolin (a major and highly active compound), Apigenin, Acacetin, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Diosmetin, and their various glycosides (e.g., luteolin-7-O-glucoside).

· Phenolic Acids: Chlorogenic acid (a dominant compound), 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid (Isochlorogenic acid A), Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid.

· Flavonoid-Phenolic Complexes: Chrysanthemin (Cyanidin-3-glucoside) in red cultivars.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

These compounds are responsible for the plant's systemic protective and modulating effects.

· Potent Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory: Luteolin and chlorogenic acid are exceptionally powerful. They scavenge free radicals, inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and block key enzymes (COX-2, iNOS) and pathways (NF-κB, MAPK). This validates its TCM use for inflammatory conditions like sore throat, headache, and skin inflammation.

· Hepatoprotective: These polyphenols protect liver cells from toxin-induced damage (e.g., from CCl₄, alcohol) by enhancing antioxidant defenses (glutathione) and reducing inflammatory apoptosis.

· Neuroprotective & Anxiolytic: Apigenin binds to GABA_A receptors, producing anxiolytic and mild sedative effects without sedation. Luteolin protects neurons from oxidative stress and beta-amyloid toxicity, suggesting benefits for cognitive health.

· Vasoprotective & Hypotensive: Promotes endothelial-dependent vasodilation, inhibits ACE, and reduces vascular inflammation, contributing to cardiovascular health.

· Antidiabetic: Improves insulin sensitivity and inhibits carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-glucosidase).

2. Essential Oil / Volatile Compounds (The Aromatic "Cooling" Principle)

Key Compounds:

The oil composition varies with cultivar and processing (e.g., steaming of "Hang Ju Hua").

· Monoterpenoids: Camphor, Borneol, Bornyl acetate, α-Pinene, β-Pinene, Limonene, 1,8-Cineole.

· Sesquiterpenoids: β-Caryophyllene, Germacrene D, Cadinene.

· Other: Chrysanthenone.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

The volatile oil imparts the characteristic aroma and immediate sensory-pharmacological effects.

· Diaphoretic & Antipyretic ("Disperses Wind-Heat"): Inhalation or ingestion of the warm tea promotes mild perspiration, helping to reduce fever in the early stages of colds and flu.

· Antimicrobial & Antiviral: The oil shows activity against respiratory pathogens (bacteria, viruses), supporting its use for infectious sore throats and upper respiratory infections.

· Analgesic & Cooling Sensation: Borneol and camphor provide a topical cooling sensation and mild analgesic effect, relevant for headache relief when applied to temples or used in steam inhalation.

· Anti-inflammatory: Sesquiterpenes like β-caryophyllene (a CB2 agonist) contribute to systemic anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Sesquiterpene Lactones and Other Compounds

Key Compounds:

· Sesquiterpene Lactones (SLs): Common in Asteraceae; in chrysanthemum, they include chrysanthemolide, arteglasin A. Levels are typically much lower than in feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium).

· Polysaccharides: Chrysanthemum polysaccharides (CPS).

· Amino Acids & Nucleosides: Adenine, Choline, Stachydrine.

Actions and Clinical Relevance:

· Anti-inflammatory & Potential Antimigraine (SLs): In low concentrations, SLs may contribute to anti-inflammatory effects, but high doses can cause mucosal irritation.

· Immunomodulatory (Polysaccharides): CPS enhance macrophage phagocytosis and modulate immune response, supporting its use as a general health tonic.

· Metabolic Intermediates: Choline supports liver function and lipid metabolism.

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An Integrated View of Healing in Chrysanthemum morifolium

· For Ocular Health and "Clearing Liver Heat" (Ming Mu): This is a hallmark indication. The synergy addresses both inflammatory and oxidative damage to the eyes. The flavonoids (Luteolin) and phenolic acids exert powerful antioxidant effects, protecting retinal cells from light-induced oxidative stress. Their anti-inflammatory action reduces redness and irritation. In TCM theory, "liver heat" manifests as red, painful, dry eyes; the cooling, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties of the entire phytochemical complex work to drain this heat, improving vision and comfort. This is supported by modern use for screen fatigue and dry eye syndrome.

· For Upper Respiratory Infections and Inflammatory Headaches ("Disperses Wind-Heat"): At the onset of a cold with fever, headache, and sore throat, chrysanthemum tea acts rapidly. The volatile oils (Camphor, Borneol), released in steam, promote diaphoresis to lower fever and provide analgesic relief for headaches. The antimicrobial oils and anti-inflammatory polyphenols (Chlorogenic acid, Luteolin) combat the infection and soothe the inflamed pharyngeal mucosa internally. This multi-pronged approach makes it a classic first-line remedy for wind-heat patterns.

· As a Hepatoprotective and Cardiovascular Functional Beverage: Regular consumption as a tea provides chronic systemic benefits. The polyphenols continuously protect hepatocytes from everyday toxins and reduce hepatic inflammation, supporting detoxification. Their vasodilatory, ACE-inhibitory, and anti-atherogenic actions help maintain healthy blood pressure and prevent endothelial dysfunction. The mild anxiolytic effect of apigenin also mitigates stress, a contributor to both liver and cardiovascular issues.

· For Skin Inflammation and Infections (Topical Use): Cooled chrysanthemum tea or poultices leverage the synergy for skin health. The astringent tannins and anti-inflammatory flavonoids reduce redness and swelling in conditions like acne and dermatitis. The antimicrobial volatile oils and phenolics help prevent or treat superficial bacterial infections. The overall cooling property relieves the sensation of heat and itching.

Conclusion: Chrysanthemum morifolium is a paradigm of a gentle yet profoundly effective functional herb. Its strength lies not in a single potent toxin, but in the harmonious synergy of a broad-spectrum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phenolic matrix, complemented by a penetrating, cooling volatile oil. This chemistry perfectly validates its ancient TCM applications for heat and inflammation, particularly in the liver, eyes, and upper body. Its excellent safety profile as a tea makes it ideal for daily, preventive consumption to promote resilience against oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic strain. The distinction between different cultivars (e.g., yellow "Huang Ju Hua" for more dispersing action, white "Bai Ju Hua" for more calming liver heat) is a subtle refinement of this core phytochemical synergy, highlighting the sophistication of traditional phytotherapy.

Disclaimer:

Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers are generally safe when consumed as a tea. However, individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, marigolds, daisies) may experience allergic reactions. The tea may have a mild hypotensive effect; those on blood pressure medication should use it cautiously. The essential oil is for external or aromatic use only and should be diluted. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before therapeutic use. Always ensure flowers used for tea or eyewashes are organically grown and free of pesticides. This information is for educational purposes only.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica by Dan Bensky et al.

· The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (may include related species)

· Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

· Traditional Chinese Medicine: Heritage and Adaptation by Paul U. Unschuld

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle, Lal Ambadi)

· Species: Hibiscus sabdariffa | Family: Malvaceae | Genus: Hibiscus

· Similarities: Both are flowers used to make tart, ruby-red herbal teas that are cooling, hypotensive, and rich in antioxidants (anthocyanins in Hibiscus, flavonoids in Chrysanthemum). They are both considered excellent beverages for cardiovascular and heat-clearing purposes.

2. Matricaria chamomilla (German Chamomile)

· Species: Matricaria chamomilla | Family: Asteraceae | Genus: Matricaria

· Similarities: A close relative within the Asteraceae family. Both are used as calming, anti-inflammatory floral teas. While Chamomile is more of a nervine and digestive, and Chrysanthemum is more for cooling and liver/eye health, they share a gentle, soothing nature.

3. Cassia angustifolia (Senna, Sonamukhi)

· Species: Senna alexandrina | Family: Fabaceae | Genus: Senna

· Similarities: This is a contrasting study. Both are used as teas, but for opposite purposes. Chrysanthemum tea is cooling and used for Pitta/heat conditions, while Senna tea is a strong, heating purgative used for Vata/Kapha constipation. It highlights how herbal teas can have vastly different energetic properties.

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