Remedies Using Chrysanthemum Flower or Garden Mums

Chrysanthemum morifolium, chrysanthemum flower or garden mums is a flowering herb. Chrysanthemums look like daisies and they come in many colors such as orange, purple, red, yellow and white.

Chrysanthemums contain ascorbic acid, beta carotene, camphor, calcium, choline, fiber, folacin, iron, magnesium, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin C and essential oils. These plant compounds produce antibacterial, antibiotic, anti inflammatory, antifungal, antihypertensive, antipyretic and antiviral activities. They are also able to produce detoxifying and relaxing effects.

Practitioners of traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine have been using chrysanthemum flowers to treat various illnesses. Until today, the dried flowers of the chrysanthemum plants are used as remedies for the following complaints and disorders.

Chrysanthemum flower infusion is used as an eye wash to treat inflammation or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids known as conjunctivitis or pink eye. It is also helpful as a remedy for dry eyes and sore eyes. Crysanthemum may also help improve blurred vision.

To make an eye wash, boil the flowers for not more than 10 minutes to conserve the chrysanthemum oil. Strain the dried flowers and leave it to cool at room temperature. Don't throw the flowers. While it is still warm, place the flowers on your closed eyelids.
In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemums are known as a cooling herb. Drinking chrysanthemum tea helps reduce body heat. And because of this, it is used as a remedy to reduce fever. Chrysanthemum tea is also taken to treat headaches, intestinal gas or flatulence, sinus congestion and sore throat.
As an antiviral agent, it helps in preventing, treating or shortening the duration of the common cold and flu.
The Chinese also use chrysanthemum morifolium as a remedy to cleanse the liver and purify blood besides treating liver inflammation.
Some studies have indicated that chrysanthemum flower extract has the potential to reduce high blood pressure, high cholesterol and treat angina or chest pain and symptoms of coronary artery disease.
Because of its antibacterial properties, chrysanthemums are helpful in treating the symptoms caused by the staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus strains of bacteria. These bacteria usually will cause skin infections such as abscess, boils and impetigo.

As a home remedy to treat these symptoms, use chrysanthemum tea as a compress by soaking a clean lint free cloth in the tisane, wring it and then place it on the skin. You can also use the chrysanthemum tea as a skin wash. If you have toe nail fungus, you can use the tisane to soak your toes.