Jú Huā · Chrysanthemum Flower
Jú Huā (菊花, Chrysanthemum Flower) is a herb of Cool nature and Sweet, Bitter flavor, in the “Heat Clearing (Exterior)” category. Tradition uses it to disperse Wind-Heat, Clear Liver Heat, Brighten Eyes.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Jú Huā
- Characters
- 菊花
- Botanical name
- Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Part used
- Flower
- Nature
- Cool
- Flavor
- Sweet, Bitter
- Meridians
- Liver, Lung
- Category
- Heat Clearing (Exterior)
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China
Actions according to tradition
- Disperse Wind-Heat
- Clear Liver Heat
- Brighten Eyes
- Calm Liver
Traditional uses
- Wind-heat affecting head and eyes
- Red, painful, swollen eyes
- Dizziness and headache
- Blurred vision
- Liver Yang rising
Studied effects and current applications
- Relieves headaches
- Reduces eye strain
- Lowers blood pressure
- Clears vision
- Reduces fever
- Calms irritability
Applications under investigation
- Migraine and tension headaches
- Eye strain from screens
- Hypertension
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Anxiety and irritability
- Fever and infections
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Ragweed allergy (cross-reactivity)
- Yang deficiency with cold signs
Relative contraindications
- Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold
- Diarrhea
- Pregnancy
- Generally safe in normal tea amounts.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe as tea.
- Children
- Safe for children as tea.
- Older adults
- Generally safe
Possible adverse effects
- Allergic reactions (in sensitive individuals)
- Photosensitivity
- Digestive upset (cold nature)
When to stop
- Allergic reactions
- Signs of cold (cold limbs, diarrhea)
- Digestive upset
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antihypertensives | Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors | Mild | Complementary blood pressure lowering Monitor blood pressure |
With other herbs
- goji Classic vision-brightening tea combination
Reference dose
- Infusion
- 5-15 grams per cup, 1-3 times daily
- Decoction
- 5-15 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 2-4 weeks
- Maximum
- Use with breaks
- Children
- Gentle, safe for children.
Forms of preparation
Steep 5-15g in hot water 5-10 min. Do not boil.
Wind-heat, eye health, tea
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin) and phenolic acids
Phenolic acid (caffeic-quinic ester) · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic
α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition, radical scavenging, NF-κB inhibition · 0.5-2.0%
Flavone · Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-allergic, anti-cancer
NF-κB, COX-2 inhibition; blockage of mast cell granulation; PI3K inhibition · 0.1-0.5%
Flavone · Anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor
Binding to GABA-A (benzodiazepine) receptors, CDK2 inhibition · 0.05-0.3%
Bicyclic ketone monoterpene · Antiseptic, local analgesic, decongestant
TRPV1 and TRPM8 activation, Na+ channel inhibition · 5-30% of essential oil
Flavonols · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine
Histidine decarboxylase inhibition, radical scavenging, COX blockade · Traces at 0.1%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (October-November) when the flowers are fully open
Flowers collected in the morning when the dew has evaporated. They are taken individually or in small groups. There are four main varieties: Hangju (杭菊, Zhejiang), Huaju (滁菊, Anhui), Gongju (贡菊) and Chuanju (川菊, Sichuan).
White flowers spread in thin layers, dried in the sun or with gentle heat (40-50°C). The yellow flowers (黄菊花 Huáng Jú Huā) have more powerful action to cleanse heat and detoxify.
Fresh flowers steamed for 5-10 minutes to fix the color and aroma, then dried. Better preserves flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
