Chrysanthemum for Conjunctivitis

Does Chrysanthemum help with conjunctivitis? Of all the herbs linked to this condition, it is one of the most direct fits. Ayurvedic herbal tradition describes the morifolium variety as a specific remedy for eye inflammation, swelling, redness, dryness and itching, and names conjunctivitis, styes and inflamed eyelids among its uses.

Ayurveda calls conjunctivitis (Abhishyanda), meaning "that which flows or overflows". Its red, burning, light-sensitive form is read as excess Pitta, the dosha of heat and fire, in the eyes.

Chrysanthemum tastes bitter and sweet, has a cooling potency (Sheeta Virya), and is light and dry. Its description says it goes straight to the eyes and skin by way of the liver, and that its lightness balances the heavy intensity of Pitta.

One honest note: our sources do not give a verse from the classical Sanskrit texts naming Chrysanthemum for eye disease. Its eye use comes from Ayurvedic herbal tradition rather than from Charaka or Sushruta.

Ayurveda places the form of Pitta that governs vision, (Alochaka Pitta), in the eyes. The form that colours the blood, (Ranjaka Pitta), sits in the liver. When heat builds in the liver and blood, the eyes are where it often surfaces as redness, burning and discharge.

Working on both forms of Pitta

Chrysanthemum is said to regulate both Alochaka and Ranjaka Pitta, which is the stated reason it is specific for eye inflammation. It is described as calming and cooling to Pitta (Pittashamaka) and acts on the plasma (Rasa Dhatu) and blood (Rakta Dhatu) tissues.

Cooling, bitter and light

Its cooling potency and bitter taste counter the hot, sharp quality of Pitta-type conjunctivitis. Its light quality offsets Pitta's heavy intensity, and its mild bitterness is said to support liver function, addressing the liver-eye link Ayurveda sees behind recurring red eyes.

A rejuvenative for the eyes

It is also listed as a rejuvenative (Rasayana), especially to the eyes and to Pitta, and is said to make the eyes bright. Its biomedical actions are listed as diaphoretic, ophthalmic and alterative. The flowers contain luteolin, apigenin and acacetin, though our sources include no clinical eye studies.

Start here: a red, painful or discharging eye should be checked by an eye doctor, especially if your vision blurs or light hurts. Do not put tea, juice or any herbal liquid into your eye yourself.

Best form: flower tea

For eye heat, the traditional form is an infusion of the dried flowers, taken internally. The sweeter morifolium variety is described as more specific for the eyes than the very bitter indicum variety.

Traditional eye combinations

For eye infections, tradition pairs Chrysanthemum with rose water, jasmine water, fennel or a Triphala infusion, used internally and externally. Any external eye application should be prepared and directed by a qualified practitioner, not improvised at home.

How long

Our sources give no set course for conjunctivitis. Because the flower is dry and light, heavy or prolonged use may raise Vata, so stay in the traditional range and review with a practitioner if symptoms last more than a few days.

If you want to start using Chrysanthemum for conjunctivitis today, here is the simplest, safest starting point, taken alongside an eye examination rather than instead of one.

Best form: a tea of dried morifolium flowers, because it is the variety tradition considers most specific for the eyes and it carries the cooling, bitter taste that calms Pitta.

Kitchen version: steep 2 teaspoons of dried flowers in a cup of hot water and drink it warm or cooled, through the day. Drink it; do not put it in your eye.

Who it suits: the hot, red, burning, light-sensitive eye. If your eyes are mainly dry and gritty, use it sparingly, since flowers can raise Vata in excess.

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Safety note: avoid Chrysanthemum in pregnancy, see an eye doctor for any red, painful or discharging eye, and do not self-apply anything to the eye.