Jú Huā (菊花) — Chrysanthemum flower
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Jú Huā (菊花) — Chrysanthemum morifolium — is known in English as Chrysanthemum flower. It belongs to the category of Herbs that release the Exterior — cool and acrid in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Jú Huā as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Jú Huā |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 菊花 |
| Latin name | Chrysanthemum morifolium |
| English name | Chrysanthemum flower |
| Nature | slightly cold |
| Flavour | sweet, bitter |
| Channels entered | Lung, Liver |
| Category | Herbs that release the Exterior — cool and acrid |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Disperses Wind-Heat and benefits the eyes — the primary eye herb for Heat patterns
- Clears Liver Heat and subdues Liver Yang
- Clears toxicity and reduces swelling
- Calms Liver Wind
Indications
- Eye disorders from Liver Heat or Wind-Heat — red, dry, painful and blurred vision
- Headache from Wind-Heat invasion or Liver Yang rising
- Hypertension from Liver Yang rising
- Dizziness and vertigo from Liver Yang and Wind
- Skin conditions from Wind-Heat toxin
4. Key formulas containing Jú Huā
Jú Huā appears in the following key formulas:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Chrysanthemum morifolium (Ju Hua) is one of the most widely consumed medicinal teas in East Asia and has significant pharmacological research backing its traditional uses. Key bioactive constituents include flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin, acacetin), chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, sesquiterpenes and volatile oils. Research confirms anti-inflammatory effects (flavonoids inhibit NF-kB and COX-2), antioxidant properties, antihypertensive activity (vasodilatory effects on retinal and cerebral blood vessels), neuroprotective effects and antibacterial activity. Clinical research supports use in hypertension, diabetic retinopathy and dry eye syndrome. Ju Hua combined with Gou Qi Zi (the classical tea Qi Ju Di Huang Wan) is one of the most important Liver-nourishing, eye-benefiting combinations and has documented benefits for age-related macular degeneration.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Avoid in Cold and deficiency patterns. May cause allergic reactions in patients sensitive to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Use with caution in patients with Yang deficiency and cold intolerance.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Jú Huā as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including High blood pressure, Headaches, Migraines, Stress. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
