Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath
Chrysanthemum, known as an ornamental flower, has important therapeutic properties. It is, in fact, antiviral and antibacterial, useful against colds, flu, infections of the respiratory tract and urinary tract. Let's find out better.
Properties and benefits of Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum flowers are rich in important active ingredients useful for health, such as flavonoids, saponins and caffeic acid. Moreover, in the petals of the flowers it is possible to find the chlorogenic acid which is able to stimulate the metabolism, regulate blood sugar and promote fat reduction.
The chrysanthemum is useful in case of infections and diseases derived from viruses and bacteria, therefore it represents a valid aid in the treatment of colds, respiratory infections, coughs, fever, flu, bladder and kidney infections.
The chrysanthemum is useful in case of anxiety, against irritation and nervous tension and also in case of confusion and nervousness. Its use is advantageous against varicose veins, arterial health and to regulate blood pressure.
The flowers of the chrysanthemum have an antioxidant, purifying, anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. Further therapeutic indications configure the chrysanthemum as a useful remedy in the presence of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, varicose veins, hemorrhoids and microcirculation disorders.
Method of use
The whole plant is used in phytotherapy . For therapeutic purposes, a drink can be prepared, Chrysanthemum tea, rich in beta carotene, calcium, magnesium and iron.
Chrysanthemum tea has an antipyretic effect, useful for lowering fever, relieving skin rashes in case of sunstroke and heat stroke. Chrysanthemum tea relieves headaches, neuropathic pain and toothache. Excellent aid as a digestive and liver detoxifier.
The Chinese infusion or tea prepared with the dried petals of the chrysanthemum regulates blood pressure, relieves headaches and muscle aches, counteracts a cold.
The chrysanthemum tea is prepared as follows: put 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers in 1 cup of boiling water, leaving it to infuse for at least 20 minutes, filter and sweeten with raw honey if desired.
Chrysanthemum to flavor tea: discover the history of this drink
Contraindications of Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum is to be avoided during pregnancy, during the period of breastfeeding, in case of allergies and in the presence of gastritis and peptic ulcer.
Description of the plant
The chrysanthemum ( Chrysanthellum americanum ), is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family . Small from 10 to 30 cm, with prostrate, ascending or erect branches . The leaves are bi-tripenate and have long petioles. The small yellow-orange flowers become larger with the growth of the fruits and are placed on a peduncle 5-6 cm.
Chrysanthemum Habitat
The chrysanthemum is a plant native to Peru and Bolivia that is easily found in the mountains but also in the African savannah.
Its natural habitat is the uncultivated places and the abandoned roads and, usually, it is found in the proximity of shallow water holes.
Background
Chrysanthemum is also known as a golden flower . It was already a subsidiary in China in 400 BC and was then spread throughout the West in the 1700s, mostly for ornamental purposes.
In Italy the chrysanthemum is known as the flower of the dead, while it is considered a symbol of life and peace.
The cisantemo is the national flower of Japan .