Chrysanthemum tea has numerous uses in traditional Chinese herbal medicine and naturopathic medicine. The flowers of the Chrysanthemum indicum, or the common yellow mum, are dried and made into a tea. It is often used to alleviate the symptoms of influenza and the common cold, such as congestion and fever. Chrysanthemum petals contain vitamins A and B1, flavonoids, as well as chemical nutrients like calcium and phosphorous. The tea has both antiviral and antimicrobial properties and has shown promise in treating asthma and heart conditions. Chrysanthemum tea has been used for centuries in China for its medicinal properties, and researchers there continue to examine the many health benefits of drinking it.
There seem to be strong anti-inflammatory properties in chrysanthemum tea. The Chinese have used it since ancient times for the treatment of illnesses such as the flu, tonsillitis, and pneumonia. Its antibacterial properties often lead herbalists and naturopaths to prescribe it as a natural remedy for streptococcus and staphylococcus. The tea often helps to reduce the fever associated with viral infections. Some patients have reported success in alleviating migraine headaches through its use. Naturopaths and Chinese herbal doctors often recommend drinking it on a regular basis because of the many health benefits they believe it carries.
Several research studies have been done on the effects of chrysanthemum tea and extracts from the plant. For example, the tea was shown in animal trials to slow or prevent xanthine oxidase from converting into uric acid, a contributing factor in gout. Human trials in China showed promising results as well. Another animal study with chrysanthemum tea showed that administering the water extract from the flower caused the coronary arteries of the test subjects to dilate. This lends credence to its use in herbal medicine to treat heart conditions such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and coronary heart disease. Tests have also been conducted to see how effective it is in relieving arthritis pains.
The chrysanthemum tea that is often purchased is composed of the dried leaves of the flower, but any portion of the plant that’s above ground can actually be used to make a tea. To make it at home, a person need just place 10 to 20 of the dried flowers in a pot and then pour boiling water onto the flowers and add honey or sugar to sweeten it. It takes about five minutes for the nutrients in the flowers to seep into the water. Chrysanthemum tea can be consumed either hot or cold, and naturopaths often recommend one or two cups per day for the treatment or prevention of illness.
