Yě Jú Huā (野菊花) — Wild chrysanthemum flower
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Yě Jú Huā (野菊花) — Chrysanthemum indicum — is known in English as Wild chrysanthemum flower. It belongs to the category of herbs that clear Heat and resolve toxicity in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Yě Jú Huā as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they 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 | Yě Jú Huā |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 野菊花 |
| Latin name | Chrysanthemum indicum |
| English name | Wild chrysanthemum flower |
| Nature | Slightly cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid |
| Channels entered | Lung, Liver |
| Category | Clear heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Fire toxicity
- Reduces swelling and disperses sores
- Calms ascending Liver Yang
Indications
- Boils, carbuncles and inflamed skin lesions
- Sore, red and swollen throat
- Red, painful eyes from Liver Heat
- Headache and dizziness with raised blood pressure of a Liver Yang pattern
4. Key formulas containing Yě Jú Huā
Yě Jú Huā is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Wild chrysanthemum contains flavonoids and volatile oils, studied preclinically for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. It is more strongly Heat-clearing and toxin-resolving than Ju Hua, which is used more for the eyes and Wind-Heat.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Yě Jú Huā in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in Spleen and Stomach deficiency-Cold, as it is bitter and cold. Spreading skin infection or a severely painful eye requires urgent medical assessment.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for pale, chronic Cold-pattern sores, which require warming and tonifying rather than cooling herbs.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Yě Jú Huā at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
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 or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Yě Jú Huā within tailored formulas for Heat-toxin skin patterns and Liver Heat presentations, alongside conventional care where appropriate.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
