Chrysanthemum has long been used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases. The bright color and fragrant aroma of this flower petal, not only make it beautiful to look at, but also good for the health of the body.
Chrysanthemum is a flowering plant originating from East Asia and dominantly grows in the Bamboo Curtain Country. Flowers that have a Latin name Chrysanthemum morifolium generally consumed as an herbal tea, but sometimes also processed into supplements.
Not only flowers, chrysanthemum leaves can also be consumed as vegetables and various healthy dishes.
Chrysanthemum Nutrient Contents
In a cup of chrysanthemum tea or the equivalent of 25 grams of chrysanthemum flowers, there are 6 calories and the following various nutrients:
- 0.8 grams of protein
- 30 milligrams of calcium
- 8 milligrams of magnesium
- 0.5 milligrams of iron
- 140 milligrams of potassium
- 30 micrograms of vitamin A
- 0.3 milligrams of vitamin C
- 88 micrograms of vitamin K
- 45 milligrams of folate
Chrysanthemum flowers also contain B vitamins and various antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, lutein, and zeaxanthine. Not only that, several studies also show that chrysanthemum contains several compounds that have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
7 Benefits of Chrysanthemum for Health
In China, Korea, and Japan, chrysanthemum has long been used as a traditional herbal remedy to treat various ailments. Thanks to the nutritional content and substances in it, chrysanthemum can provide the following benefits:
1. Relieve sore throat
A sore throat generally occurs when the throat becomes inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection. However, an irritating reaction to pollution or certain chemicals can sometimes trigger a sore throat.
To relieve these complaints, you can consume chrysanthemum tea. This benefit is due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory content in chrysanthemum which is good for reducing infection and reducing inflammation in the body.
2. Maintain healthy skin
One of the benefits of chrysanthemum is to maintain beauty and skin health. These benefits come from a variety of nutrients in chrysanthemum flowers as well as their high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
In addition to preventing dehydration which can make the skin dry, chrysanthemum consumed as a tea can also reduce inflammation on the skin, prevent the formation of dark spots due to sun exposure, and inhibit premature aging.
3. Treating osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition of reduced bone density which causes bones to become brittle or break easily. This condition is more common in the elderly, especially those who do not get enough calcium intake.
To prevent these bone problems, you can consume chrysanthemum. This is because chrysanthemum flowers contain high calcium and various antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which are good for maintaining bone strength.
4. Control blood sugar
High blood sugar levels in the body can disrupt the performance of the insulin hormone. This condition, known as insulin resistance, can lead to diabetes.
To prevent diabetes, you need to control blood sugar levels by exercising regularly and limiting sugar intake. In addition, you can also consume chrysanthemum to maintain blood sugar levels.
Several studies show that chrysanthemum flowers can reduce blood sugar and keep it under control, so it is good for preventing type 2 diabetes.
5. Maintain heart health and maintain blood pressure
Chrysanthemum contains a lot of potassium and antioxidants which are known to be good for heart health and keep blood pressure stable.
Various studies show that chrysanthemum can lower blood pressure, prevent hypertension, and improve blood flow in the heart and throughout the body.
6. Calm the mind and reduce stress
Chrysanthemum flower tea has a soft and unique aroma. Not only fragrant and delicious, chrysanthemum also turns out to contain compounds that can provide a relaxing effect and calm the mind. This effect makes chrysanthemum flowers good for reducing stress.
7. Relieves fever
One of the properties of chrysanthemum flowers that have been used for a long time in traditional Chinese medicine is to reduce fever. This benefit is thought to be due to the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory content found in these herbal plants.
In addition to the 7 benefits above, chrysanthemum is also useful for treating coughs and colds, relieving headaches, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, and strengthening the immune system.
The efficacy of chrysanthemum has been known for a long time as an herbal remedy. However, unfortunately, the various claims regarding the benefits of chrysanthemum have so far been limited to small-scale research studies.
Therefore, further research is needed to ensure the effectiveness and safety level of chrysanthemum as an herbal medicine.
If consumed as an herbal tea, you can consume about 2–3 cups of chrysanthemum per day. However, if you want to take chrysanthemum supplements, you should first consult your doctor, especially if you have a disease or are taking certain medications.