My Favorite Herb: Chrysanthemum Flower
Many Memories Of My Grandmother Were Around Herbal Medicine
My Ahma (paternal grandmother) used teach me to wrap dumplings while I stood on a chair to reach the counter. She always told us that kiok hoe te (chrysanthemum tea) was good for fever and sore throats. Unlike some of the other herbal soups she had me drink, chrysanthemum tea was naturally a bit sweet and she always added honey. I liked drinking it even when not sick, but she told me you’re not supposed to drink too much of it all the time. After she moved back to her home (The Philippines), one day I had a scratchy throat and drank some of the chrysanthemum tea. My sore throat went away instantly. Against her advice I would drink the boxes of chrysanthemum tea that you can buy everywhere in Chinatown, maybe because it reminded me of her and the things she knew. Once I drank 3-4 boxes and got a stomach ache! Ahma was not an herbalist or practitioner by any means but growing up in the US I regarded her as someone who knew things other people didn’t know. She had special knowledge.
Because of my Ahma I have always regarded dim sum restaurants that serve kiok hoe te (or in Mandarin ju hua) as superior. In my mind, they are consciously offering me something healing!
In Chinese Medicine, chrysanthemum can be used to treat sore throats and fever in their initial stages. In combinations with other herbs they can treat stronger flu-like symptoms and headaches, red eyes, dry eyes, certain skin swellings, even hypertension. Treatment for such issues require a more detailed look at your health history because formulas are created to your unique presentation. However, contrary to what I usually say about single herbs, drinking a little chrysanthemum tea for a scratchy throat can be a useful at home remedy. Drinking too much at once can upset a sensitive stomach. Those who are sensitive to cold and/or are allergic to chamomile should take extra caution with chrysanthemum too.
Chrysanthemum Has Anti-viral Properties
Anti-viral herbs can work by stopping a virus from replicating, or by blocking the virus from entering into the cells. A recent study in Feb 2020 done in Shanghai has shown that Chrysanthemum contains 2 compounds that have the potential to directly inhibit the novel coronavirus. This is great news because chrysanthemum is fairly safe to drink a little everyday and it tastes delicious. Chrysanthemum tea can be combined with honey, green tea, most black teas, and goji berries. Please be advised that this is not medical advice. The novel coronavirus is still novel, but drinking chrysanthemum tea is fairly safe and there is a chance that it can help a bit.
High quality chrysanthemum tea packs will be available for $12. Please feel free to let me know if you’d like to pick up a pack on your next acupuncture visit or visit my online shop to order a pack. I am also offering packs of flu prevention formula herbs for $60 for 1 weeks supply. These are only available to those who are not taking any medications or pre-existing conditions.
By Emily Grace Siy, L.Ac.
June 16, 2020