Chrysanthemum: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

If summer heat leaves your eyes red and gritty, or a hot temper seems to go straight to your head, the humble garden Chrysanthemum is worth a closer look. In Ayurveda this flower is valued as a cooling herb that travels to the eyes and skin by way of the liver.

Its botanical names are Chrysanthemum indicum and Chrysanthemum morifolium, and it belongs to the daisy family (Compositae). The Sanskrit name is (Sevanti), from the word for service (seva), because the flower is said to encourage humility and devotion.

Chrysanthemum tastes bitter and sweet, has a cooling potency (Sheeta Virya), and is dry and light in quality. That lightness balances the heavy intensity of Pitta, the dosha of heat and metabolism, while its sweet aroma is said to awaken the heart. A simple tea of the dried flowers is the classic way to enjoy it.

Eyes

Chrysanthemum is best known as an eye herb. The morifolium variety is a specific remedy for eye inflammation, swelling, redness, dryness and itching, and it is traditionally used for conjunctivitis, styes and red, inflamed eyelids.

Ayurveda explains this through its action on the forms of Pitta that govern vision and colouring of the blood (alochaka and ranjaka pitta). It is also described as rejuvenative (Rasayana), especially to the eyes, and is said to brighten the eyes and improve vision.

Fever, Throat and Respiratory Heat

Chrysanthemum is a fever-reducing herb (Jvarahara). It is used for acute upper respiratory infections with heat, such as sore throat, fever, thirst, headaches and general malaise.

It works through mild sweating (diaphoresis), which helps release heat from the body. Its cooling potency and bitter taste are what make it suited to these hot conditions.

Liver and Digestion

Its mild bitter taste supports liver function, while its gentle sweetness is said to smooth the flow of Pitta between the stomach (amashaya) and the liver (yakrit). Tradition indicates it for liver disorders, bilious conditions, a sour taste in the mouth and pain under the ribs.

Skin

Chrysanthemum alleviates skin conditions (Kushthaghna). The indicum variety is very bitter and is used for hot, inflamed and suppurating skin problems caused by aggravated Pitta and Kapha, including boils. It is also traditionally associated with dry skin care.

Nerves, Headaches and Emotional Heat

When Vata, the dosha of movement, pushes Pitta up to the head, headaches, dizziness and insomnia can follow. Chrysanthemum is used here, and also for hypertension and stress from high Pitta or irritation.

On the emotional level it is used to clear the heat of anger.

Bleeding from Heat

Chrysanthemum is listed among herbs for nosebleeds, a condition Ayurveda links to heat in the blood. It is also indicated for painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and acts as an antispasmodic.

Chrysanthemum is usually taken as an infusion of the dried flowers, either hot or cold. It can also be taken as a powder or a tincture.

Traditional Combinations

• Respiratory infections: with lemongrass, bamboo manna (vamsha lochana) and holy basil (tulsi).
• Eye infections: with rose water, jasmine water, fennel or a Triphala infusion, used internally and externally.
• Liver and Pitta: with licorice, peppermint and nutgrass (musta).
• Nerves: with brahmi, gotu kola and shankhapushpi, plus Triphala to settle the downward-moving air (apana vayu) and calm rising nervous agitation.

Choosing a Variety

The morifolium variety is sweeter and more specific for the eyes and mild headaches. The indicum variety is more bitter and better suited to hot, inflamed skin.

Chrysanthemum is a gentle herb with few precautions. No drug and herb interactions are known.

• Pregnancy: avoid it, as it stimulates the uterus.
• High Vata: like all flowers, it may increase Vata when used in excess. Its dry, light quality is the reason, so people with dryness, anxiety or a Vata constitution should use it sparingly.

Stay within the traditional dose range and speak with a qualified practitioner if you have a medical condition.

Chrysanthemum is most often paired with other herbs rather than replacing them. These comparisons draw on the combinations Ayurvedic tradition uses it in.

Pregnancy & Nursing

Avoid Chrysanthemum during pregnancy, because it stimulates the uterus. Our sources do not address nursing, so consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Children

Our sources give no child-specific dosing. Do not give Chrysanthemum to children without guidance from a qualified practitioner.

Elderly

Vata tends to rise with age, and Chrysanthemum, like all flowers, may increase Vata in excess. Older adults with dryness should use it sparingly and stay within the traditional dose range.

Athletes

Our sources do not describe specific uses for athletes. Its general cooling action may suit people who run hot in summer, within normal doses.