Chrysanthemum is a traditional and precious Chinese medicinal herb with extensive medicinal and health-preserving value. However, some people believe chrysanthemum is "hot" in nature, while others believe it is "cool" in nature. This controversy leaves many people confused. This article will explore the "hot" and "cool" nature of chrysanthemum and introduce its medicinal value to resolve this issue.
Overview of Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum, also known as Ju, Qiuying, or Juzi, is a plant of the Asteraceae family. It is distributed throughout China and is one of the commonly used medicinal herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Chrysanthemums come in various colors and varieties and have multiple effects and uses.
Nature and Taste of Chrysanthemum
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, medicinal herbs possess four properties: cold, cool, warm, and hot, known as the "Four Natures." Chrysanthemum belongs to the cool-natured herbs. Cool-natured herbs have effects such as clearing heat, purging fire, cooling the blood, and stopping bleeding.
Nutritional Components of Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum contains various nutritional components, such as volatile oils, flavonoids, glycosides, and organic acids. These components give chrysanthemum its special medicinal value.
Effects of Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum has many effects, such as clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling the blood to stop bleeding, relieving pain and reducing fever, and promoting urination to reduce swelling. At the same time, chrysanthemum can also be used for beauty and skin care, and protecting vision, making it popular and widely used.
Common Uses of Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum can be consumed directly, or used to make tea, prepare dishes, and cook soups. In addition, chrysanthemum can also be used to make beauty products such as masks and bath liquids to fully utilize its health-preserving effects.
Pharmacological Effects of Chrysanthemum
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that chrysanthemum has effects such as dispelling wind and clearing the liver, and calming the mind. Modern pharmacological research also shows that chrysanthemum has multiple effects, such as lowering blood pressure, lowering lipids, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
Medicinal Value of Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, headaches, and mouth ulcers. Moreover, chrysanthemum can also regulate body functions, enhance immunity, and prevent cancer, making it a very valuable medicinal herb.
Preparation Methods for Chrysanthemum
Different medicinal methods require different preparation methods for chrysanthemum. To make chrysanthemum tea, you can steep chrysanthemum in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before drinking. When preparing dishes, chrysanthemum can be cooked with other ingredients. To make a mask, chrysanthemum needs to be mixed with other ingredients and then applied to the face.
Contraindications of Chrysanthemum
Although chrysanthemum has various effects and uses, some people are not suitable for consuming it. Individuals with a history of allergies should use it with caution. In addition, pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid consuming large amounts.
How to Make Chrysanthemum Tea
To make chrysanthemum tea, you can use dried or fresh chrysanthemum. First, place the chrysanthemum in a teapot or cup, then add boiling water and steep for 3-5 minutes. You can add appropriate amounts of honey, goji berries, and other ingredients for flavoring.
How to Make Chrysanthemum Dishes
Cooking dried chrysanthemum with other ingredients can create a variety of delicious and healthy dishes. For example, chrysanthemum and lotus seed porridge, chrysanthemum and lean meat soup, stir-fried chrysanthemum with shrimp, etc.
How to Use Chrysanthemum for Beauty
Mixing chrysanthemum with other ingredients can create various beauty products, such as chrysanthemum masks and chrysanthemum bath liquids. These products can make the skin smoother and more delicate, reduce wrinkles, and lighten dark spots.
Suitable People for Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is suitable for people of all ages. Especially for those with frequent colds, mouth ulcers, hypertension, and other symptoms, consuming chrysanthemum has a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect.
How to Store Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is a dried medicinal herb and can be stored in a ventilated and dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to prevent affecting its quality and efficacy.
In conclusion, chrysanthemum has a cool nature, effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and very high medicinal value. Different methods of use can bring out its various effects, but it is also necessary to pay attention to contraindications and storage methods. By consuming chrysanthemum reasonably, one can obtain rich health-preserving and medicinal values.