Chrysanthemum 4:1

History and Uses:
Chrysanthemum is a hardy plant that is a native of China, Japan, northern Africa and southern Europe. Its name is said to be derived from the Greek words, chyros, meaning "golden" and anthos, meaning "flower," and its flowers come in almost every color except blue. The flowers are known to purify the blood, and in Chinese Medicine, they are used as a cooling summer beverage. Chrysanthemum is considered excellent for counteracting inflammation. It is said to improve vision and is used for a wide range of eye problems such as eye soreness, redness, lachrimation, night blindness and eye strain. Research is demonstrating Chrysanthemum's potential in treating angina by dilating coronary arteries. It is also said to be antibiotic against a wide range of pathogens. Chrysanthemum possesses strong activity against abnormal growths, and some tests have demonstrated that out of fifteen compounds isolated from the edible flowers, all showed potent inhibitory effects against abnormal cells. The primary chemical constituents of Chrysanthemum include stachydrine, flavonoids, betaine, choline and vitamin B1. Chrysanthemum is considered anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antihypertensive. Chhrysanthemum flowers have been used to relieve hypertension and vertigo; to pacify the liver; expel wind and clear eyesight. The flowers are also said to be effective for wind-heat syndrome with symptoms of fever and sore throat. The juice of a fresh plant can be applied to skin infections.