Chrysanthemum, also known as Flos Chrysanthemi (Juhua), belong to the Asteraceae family and are a variety of flowering perennial plants native to North Eastern Europe and Asia. These plants have a number of ornamental, culinary, environmental, insecticidal, and medicinal uses that are known to man since centuries. Chinese medicine still uses an herbal infusion of chrysanthemum for treating problems like fever and sore throat among many other ailments. People commonly consume it in tea form for the treatment of viral and bacterial infections, digestive problems, sinusitis, and for improving eyesight and hearing. Some of the important information and facts about this plant are as under:

1. The tea is also helpful in relieving nasal and head congestion.

2. Because of its zero calorie content, it is often used to treat obesity and as an aid to lose weight.

3. It is also said to improve vision and hearing and is given in cases of dizziness, blurred vision and spots in front of the eyes. It may also be helpful in cases of night blindness and to treat conjunctivitis.

4. New research has shown that the flavonoid acacetin that is present in chrysanthemum has the ability to inhibit malignant cell growth in the prostate region. This may make it a useful weapon in the battle against prostate and other forms of cancer.

5. It is believed to be good for the heart and has been known to lower blood pressure levels. It may also be able to increase blood flow to the heart.

6. Traditional Chinese medicine has used these properties of the flower to treat cases of hypertension and angina.

7. Chrysanthemum can help the body fight off a range of infections including streptococcal and staphylococcal infections.

8. The traditional Chinese have used the tea to treat influenza, fevers, inflammations and even heatstroke due to its cooling effect. The herb also helps to correct imbalances that may affect the liver and also helps in dealing with kidney function, thus helping with their treatment.

9. A rinse made from the flower can be helpful to treat skin infections.

10. The herb can be used in many different forms, from tinctures and creams to chrysanthemum tea that is very popular. While preparing the tea, care should be taken to let the flowers to boil in the hot water for around ten minutes. This should be done in order to protect the essential oil and other nutrients.

11. Chrysanthemum tea is a great aid to digestion, helping the body to digest greasy food more easily.