Ju Hua Herb: Benefits, Uses, and Healing Properties of Chrysanthemum Flowers

What is Ju Hua?

Ju Hua, commonly known as florist's chrysanthemum in the West, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Ju Hua is highly regarded for its ornamental beauty. Beyond its visual appeal, Ju Hua is well-known in traditional medicine for its ability to calm the liver, reduce liver heat, and enhance vision. It is also known for its detoxifying properties, making it a valuable herbal remedy for clearing internal heat and toxins.

Ju Hua is highly valued for its distinct energy and flavor profile, described as acrid, sweet, bitter, and slightly cold. It primarily enters the Liver and Lung channels, playing a crucial role in balancing internal systems, clearing heat, and reducing inflammation. The unique combination of flavors in Ju Hua supports detoxification, promotes overall wellness, and enhances its healing effects on both the liver and respiratory functions.

Ju Hua tea, a staple in Chinese culture, is renowned for its balancing properties. It is often enjoyed as a refreshing beverage, particularly in warm weather, where it helps protect Yin and Blood. For added flavor, consider stirring in a teaspoon of unrefined sugar. This simple addition not only enhances the taste but also complements the tea’s cooling effects, making it a perfect choice for maintaining balance and well-being during the hotter months.

Where Ju Hua Grows and How It’s Cultivated

Ju Hua, native to China, is a perennial plant growing to about 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height, with flower heads composed of yellow ray florets. It is primarily cultivated today, with propagation typically occurring from cuttings in spring or early summer. The colorful Ju Hua flowers, which have been used medicinally since the 1st century CE, are gathered in autumn when the flower heads are fully open. In China, these flower heads are steamed before drying to reduce bitterness, and then dried in the sun, a process that can be time-consuming. Ju Hua is grown in several regions, including Zhejiang, Anhui, Henan, Sichuan, Hebei, and Shandong. The careful cultivation and harvesting ensure the flowers retain their potent medicinal properties.

Ju Hua: Benefits, Uses, and Healing Properties

Ju Hua is a versatile herb with a range of health benefits and traditional uses.. This herb is known for its cooling effects, antiseptic qualities, and ability to lower blood pressure. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits and research supporting its use:

1. Key Medicinal Properties

• Acrid-Cool Medicinal: Ju Hua is classified as an acrid-cool medicinal that releases the exterior and resolves toxins, though it is less potent than Flos Chrysanthemi Indici (Ye Ju Hua) in toxin resolution. It excels in scattering and dissipating wind-heat, calming the liver, and improving vision. Additionally, it helps boost liver yin.

2. Blood Pressure Regulation

Ju Hua has been shown to effectively lower blood pressure, as evidenced by Chinese and Japanese clinical trials from the 1970s. These studies also revealed its ability to relieve symptoms associated with high blood pressure, such as headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. Often combined with Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera spp.), Ju Hua is a valuable remedy for managing blood pressure-related issues.

3. Antiseptic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The herb exhibits significant antiseptic and antibiotic effects, making it useful for treating infections and reducing inflammation. Laboratory studies have found that some flavonoids in Ju Hua have anti-HIV activity. Its extracts are known to help with conditions like angina and general inflammation.

4. Traditional and Modern Uses

• Historical Significance: Ju Hua has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, first documented in the 1st-century CE text, the Divine Husbandman’s Classic (Shen’nong Bencaojing). It has long been used both medicinally and as a beverage.

• Eye Health: In China, Ju Hua is commonly used to alleviate red, sore eyes, particularly after prolonged periods of close work. Infused flower heads are applied to the eyes, and the infusion is also consumed to improve eyesight.

• Cooling and Detoxifying: The infusion of Ju Hua helps reduce fever, counter infections, and detoxify the body. It is effective in soothing mild fevers, tension headaches, dry mouth or throat, and bad breath.

• Ju Hua Skin Benefits: Ju Hua is effective for skin issues such as treating acne, pimples, boils, and sores. It can also address sores and carbuncles with swelling due to toxins, making it a valuable remedy for various skin conditions.

• High Blood Pressure Symptoms: Ju Hua is also used to manage symptoms associated with high blood pressure, including dizziness, headaches, and tinnitus.

Additional Benefits

Ju Hua addresses symptoms such as wind-heat common colds, warm disease in the initial stage with fever and headache, dizziness and headaches from liver yang hyperactivity, and blurred vision due to liver-kidney deficiency.

How to Use Ju Hua: Preparations, Dosage, Duration, and Safety

1. Wind Heat Common Cold:

For symptoms related to wind-heat colds, such as sore throat or mild fever, yellow chrysanthemum (huang ju hua) is used. It helps to clear heat and reduce inflammation.

2. Visual Problems and Liver Health:

For issues related to vision or to soothe the Liver, white chrysanthemum (bai ju hua) is preferred. It supports eye health and calms the Liver, balancing its functions.

Dosage

General Dosage: The typical dosage of Ju Hua ranges from 4.5 to 15 grams. This can vary based on the individual's health condition and the specific formulation of the herb.

• Quality Indicators: Good quality Ju Hua is characterized by its bright color, good shape, and fragrant aroma. Choosing high-quality herbs ensures better efficacy and safety.

Duration

Use Duration: The duration of Ju Hua use can vary depending on the condition being treated. Generally, it is used for short-term relief or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice. Safety and Cautions

Cautions:

• Use Ju Hua with caution if you have qi deficiency, especially if you experience symptoms like poor appetite or diarrhea.
• Headaches caused by yang deficiency or aversion to cold should be treated with care when using Ju Hua.

Contraindications:

• Avoid Ju Hua if you have qi deficiency accompanied by diarrhea or lack of appetite.
• It is also not recommended for those experiencing headaches due to yang deficiency or cold aversion.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively use Ju Hua while minimizing potential risks. For personalized advice and treatment plans, always consult with a healthcare professional familiar with herbal medicine.

Ju Hua Side Effects

• Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Ju Hua. If you notice any unusual symptoms, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively use Ju Hua while minimizing potential risks. For personalized advice and treatment plans, always consult with a healthcare professional familiar with herbal medicine.

Closing Remarks

Thank you for exploring the world of Ju Hua with us! We’ve covered its various preparations, benefits, and safe usage to help you make the most of this versatile herb. We hope this guide enhances your understanding and supports your health journey. Stay tuned for more articles and insights to continue your exploration of traditional herbs and wellness practices.