Chrysanthemums are usually flowers for us, with which we decorate the graves of our loved ones - especially on All Saints' Day. However, the healing properties of chrysanthemums have been used for centuries. The ancient Chinese believed that chrysanthemums were so rich in vitamins and minerals that eating them prolonged life. How does chrysanthemum strengthen our he alth and how to prepare healing chrysanthemum tea for colds and slimming?

Chrysanthemums: origin

Chrysanthemums ( DendranthemaDes Moul) is one of the types of perennials or semi-shrubs in the Asteraceae family. Name: chrysanthemum comes from 2 Greek words:chrysos- golden andanthemon- flower. In Poland, chrysanthemum is also called chrysanthemum, because in some world classifications of plants it is included in the chrysanthemum family.

Chrysanthemums come from China. Historical records show that these flowers grew naturally or were grown in the Middle Kingdom as early as the 15th century BC.

The chrysanthemum family includes about 50 species that grow in the wild mainly in Asia - in China, Japan, Korea and Mongolia. In Poland, we have one species of wild chrysanthemum - the so-called Zawadzki's chrysanthemum, which can be found in the Pieniny Mountains.

Chrysanthemums are primarily cultivated plants - bedding plants, potted plants and for the so-called cut flower - very durable, stays fresh for up to 4 weeks.

Chrysanthemums are extremely varied flowers with many:

  • shapes: single, spherical, hemispherical, umbrella, anemone, pompom, spoon, needle, spider, half, flat, curly and fancy,
  • colors: single-color (including white, yellow, cream, salmon, pink, red, orange, brown, purple, green) and two-color,
  • sizes: from large, single flowers up to 25 cm in diameter to numerous, tiny flowers.

Chrysanthemums: symbols

Chrysanthemums were so valuable to the Chinese that they forbade the export of these flowers and their seedlings from the country by law. Yet chrysanthemums made their way first to Korea and then to Japan. There, in the 8th century, they became so popularflowers that they became a symbol of the Japanese monarchy and the state itself.

Chrysanthemum, the so-called golden, with 16 petals, the heroine of the Polish tango, which was composed a few days before the outbreak of World War II in Poland, in August 1939, is still visible today in the coat of arms of the Japanese imperial family, on the seal of the Emperor of Japan, on the reverse of local coins and state documents, and since 1888 the most important Japanese decoration is the Imperial Order of the Chrysanthemum.

In China and Japan, the Chrysanthemum Festival, which falls on September 9, is also very sumptuously celebrated.

The Dutch brought chrysanthemums to Europe in the 17th century. Poles noticed this flower even later, in the 19th century.

Chrysanthemums are plants that have a very rich symbolism. In Asia they are associated with the sun, respect, perfection, sense, joy and…. immortality. Similarly positively and joyfully, chrysanthemums are received by the residents of the USA, where they patronize November.

On the other hand, in Europe and Poland, chrysanthemums symbolize death, sadness and mourning. They are usually grown as ornamental plants for graves - especially on All Saints 'Day and All Souls' Day, rare to decorate houses and properties in the fall.

Chrysanthemums: nutrients

In Asian medicine, chrysanthemums are longevity plants. If we look at the vitamins, minerals and other ingredients of chrysanthemums, this association is not surprising. Chrysanthemums contain, among others :

  • potassium
  • selenium
  • zinc
  • magnesium
  • B vitamins - folic acid, niacin and riboflavin
  • vitamin C
  • vitamin A - beta - carotene

But beware!Chrysanthemums also contain an ingredient called pyrethrin, which kills insects by attacking their nervous system. For humans, it can also be harmful in large amounts. In some people, chrysanthemum, as well as plants such as dandelion or daisy, can cause allergic reactions.

Chrysanthemums: healing properties

How do chrysanthemums, thanks to their rich ingredients, affect our he alth? Specialists mention many benefits of consuming chrysanthemums, and the most important are:

  • lower blood pressure reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke,
  • dilate blood vessels so that blood flows freely in them, which is especially important for the heart,
  • reduce inflammation, e.g. in rheumatic diseases,
  • kill viruses - incl. those causing flu and colds,
  • reduce fever,
  • they protect eyes from, inter alia,retinal neuropathy, cataracts and macular degeneration,
  • regulate the hormonal balance,
  • strengthen bones and improve their density,
  • reduce puffiness,
  • soothe irritations and remove redness in skin diseases, e.g. psoriasis and various types of eczema, as well as acne,
  • improve the overall condition of the skin by inhibiting the aging process,
  • soothe and relax,
  • strengthen the immune system,
  • accelerate metabolism, supporting the process of weight reduction in the treatment of overweight and obesity.

Chrysanthemums: healing tea with chrysanthemums - recipe

Chrysanthemums are consumed mainly as infusions, tea that has gained fame as an effective drink for slimming (as a "accelerator" of metabolism) and for colds.In the latter case, tea with chrysanthemums not only reduces fever and soothes a sore throat, but also perfectly supports the immune system in the fight against disease.

The preparation of tea with chrysanthemums is very simpleand does not require any special preparations. Simply put about 6-7 chrysanthemum flowers - preferably small-flowered ones - into a cup or mug, then pour them with hot, but not boiling water (at a temperature of about 90 degrees C), and after a few minutes the infusion is ready to drink. If we don't like its taste, we can improve it with honey, which will additionally strengthen the chrysanthemum effect.

You can pour chrysanthemum flowers several times and each time you get a drink with different taste and aroma features. What's more, we can also add chrysanthemum flowers to other teas: black, green or fruit without fear that they will lose their he alth benefits.

Note!Herbart with chrysanthemums is not recommended for consumption by people who are taking antihypertensive drugs, insulin for the treatment of diabetes and immunosuppressants.

Chrysanthemums: in the kitchen

In Middle Eastern countries, chrysanthemums, and especially their young shoots, are popular edible plants. Due to its slightly bitter taste, chrysanthemum leaves are added to salads as an alternative to arugula. Chrysanthemums are also added to sushi and soups, fried or… marinated!

  • Cleansing tea: 3 homemade recipes
  • Thyme tea for sore throat, sick liver and fatigue
  • Tea with lemon - is it harmful?

Category:

He alth