Chrysanthemum is a member of the Asteraceae or sunflower family and is one of the traditional Chinese herbs. Chrysanthemum originated in China, has more than 2,500 years of cultivation history, and has more than 3,000 varieties, one of China’s most widely planted traditional flowers.

Apart from being used for gardening and ornamental purposes, a more significant proportion of chrysanthemums are used for medicinal and tea. According to records, people in the Tang Dynasty had already started drinking Chrysanthemum Tea.

Varieties

Chrysanthemum is one of China’s ten most famous flowers and can be found everywhere in the country. It is mainly produced in the North China Plain in Hebei Province and is called Qi Ju Hua. Other areas are as follows:

• 福白菊: Fu Bai Ju, originating Fu Tian He district of Hubei
• 杭白菊: Hang Bai Ju, originating from Tongxiang of Zhejiang, also called Hang Ju
• 黄山贡菊: Huang Shan Gong Ju, literally “Yellow Mountain tribute chrysanthemum, originating in Anhui
• 亳菊: Bo Ju, originating in the Bozhou district of Anhui
• 滁菊: Chu Ju, originating from the Chuzhou district of Anhui
• 川菊: Chuan Ju, originating in Zhongjiang, Si Chuan Province
• 德菊: De Ju, originating in Deqing, Zhengjiang
• 怀菊花：Huai Ju Hua, originating in He Nan Province
• 嘉菊: Jia Ju, originating in Jia Xiang, Shan Dong Province.

Chrysanthemums medicinal uses

Chu Ju(滁菊)
Chu Ju, also known as “white chrysanthemum” and “chamomile”, is the most compact petal among chrysanthemums.
It has golden stamens and crystal clear jade white petals, known as “golden heart with five petals”. Chu chrysanthemum has the most substantial effect of dispelling wind and heat. If you have symptoms of “heat and cold”, such as dry throat and dizziness, drinking some Chu Ju can relieve them.

Gongju(贡菊)
Gongju, known as simply Huangshan Gòngjú (贡菊, Tribute chrysanthemum), was named “Gongju” because it was presented to the emperor as a tribute in ancient times. These white chrysanthemums are among the sweetest varieties and are highly fragrant.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine “TCM”, Gongju chrysanthemums can improve eyesight, clear the liver, and nourish the stomach. Gongju and some goji berries are good for computer users to protect their eyes.

Hang Ju (杭菊)
Hang chrysanthemum has larger flowers and is divided into Hang White Chrysanthemum and Hang Yellow Chrysanthemum. Compared with Gongju, the darker heart of the Hang chrysanthemum is more obvious, and the petals fall off quickly after steeping. Hang chrysanthemum has the strongest effect of clearing heat and relieving the throat, so it is best to drink Hang chrysanthemum when you have a sore throat.

Ye Ju (野菊,wild chrysanthemum)
Compared with the above kinds of chrysanthemums, the flowers of wild chrysanthemums are smaller and yellower, the flower shape is not very beautiful, and they are a bit more bitter and cold in nature. The wild chrysanthemum has the strongest effect of detoxifying, clearing away heat, and reducing swelling, and it is effective in relieving sores, toothache, and bad breath. However, under normal circumstances, do not drink wild chrysanthemums so as not to damage the yang qi of the spleen and stomach, causing stomach discomfort, borborygmus, and other adverse reactions.

How can chrysanthemums help with weight loss?

Chrysanthemum tea has a high concentration of Vitamin B nutrients, including folic acid, choline, riboflavin, and niacin, which are beneficial for human metabolism. Vitamin B also helps digestion and rapid assimilation of fat. When drunk unsweetened, this tea can also help with weight loss.

What are the beauty benefits of chrysanthemums?

Chrysanthemum contains amino acids, flavonoids, and various vitamins and trace elements, which have anti-dysentery functions, lowering blood pressure and strengthening the body. Chrysanthemum is a good ingredient for clearing the liver and improving eyesight. It has a delicate taste, which is suitable for those easily inflamed. Drinking it in moderation is good for preventing dry skin, swollen eyes, and constipation caused by fire.

Does chrysanthemum tea have caffeine?

Chrysanthemum tea is a herbal tea that generally doesn’t contain caffeine.

Can I drink chrysanthemum tea every day?

Chrysanthemum flower is slightly cold in nature, and although it has many health benefits, it is still not suitable for daily drinking. Drinking Chrysanthemum Tea every day may cause damage to the spleen and stomach. As with any other herbal tisane, moderation is always best.

When is the best time of year to drink chrysanthemums?

Chrysanthemum tea is suitable for drinking throughout the year without special restrictions, but summer and winter are more suitable. Drinking chrysanthemum tea in summer replenishes water and relieves heat, while in winter has the benefits of replenishing water and maintaining a positive state.

Chrysanthemums Recipes

Chrysanthemum Wolfberry Tea
Chrysanthemum is sweet and has a nourishing effect on the liver and kidneys. The result can be enhanced when paired with wolfberry.

Mulberry Chrysanthemum Tea
Mulberry leaf and chrysanthemum are excellent for dispersing wind-heat, clearing the liver, brightening the eyes, and relieving fever and headache in the early stages of wind-heat colds.

Chrysanthemum Hawthorn Tea
Chrysanthemum plus hawthorn can reduce fat and lower blood pressure.

Chrysanthemum honeysuckle Tea
Chrysanthemum and honeysuckle can prevent antipyretic cold and sore throat.

Sterculia Lychnophora chrysanthemum Tea
Pang Da Hai clears away heat and nourishes the lungs. It also clears and relaxes the bowels. After adding Panda Hai to the chrysanthemum, it has a more substantial effect on the foreign body sensation caused by chronic pharyngitis and has a specific impact on hoarseness.