Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum morifolium, Chrysanthemum sinense, Chrysanthemum japonense
Ox-eye Daisy (Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, L.)

choose a CHRYSANTHEMUM article Huang KC. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs, 2nd Ed. New York: CRC Press; 1999. Sharma SC, Tanwar RC, Kaur S. Contact dermatitis from chrysanthemums in India. Contact Dermatitis 1989;21:69-71 Kuno Y, Kawabe Y, Sakakibara S. Allergic contact dermatitis associated with photosensitivity, from alantolactone in a chrysanthemum farmer. Ukiya M. Anti-tumor promoting effects and cytotoxic activity against human cancer from edible chrysanthemum flowers Lee JR, et al. A new guaianolide as apoptosis inhibitor from Chrysanthemum boreale. Planta Med 2001;67:585-7 Urzua A, Mendoza L. Antibacterial activity of fresh flower heads of Chrysantemum coronarium. Fitoterapia Hussain Z. The effect of medicinal plants of Islamabad and Murree region of Pakistan on insulin secretion Chen T. Absorption and excretion of luteolin and apigenin in rats after administration of Chrysanthemum morifolium extract If allergic to ragweed, caution with chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat hypertension, angina, and fevers. No clinical studies evaluating the safety in humans have been performed. Animal data suggest possible anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity Hypersensitivity and photosensitivity reactions are documented. Individuals allergic to ragweed should avoid this herb. Some studies indicate that chrysanthemum may have cytotoxic and antibacterial activities. Extracts of chrysanthemum show no effect on insulin levels.

• parsley, fresh parsley just chew a few sprigs (high in potassium)
• saffron, documented studies that saffron lowers blood pressure
• grapeseed extract lowers blood pressure
• grape juice

If allergic to ragweed or chamomile, there has been a cross over sensitivity with chrysanthemum tea. There is a tea with a chrysanthemum flower within the bag of tea called ambrosia teas or blooming teas. A beautiful bloom opens when one immerses the tea in water. All the teas contained caffeine, so I did not try it. However, it did really looked beautiful.

One thing to check, is that the chrysanthemum tea has not had any pesticides or herbicides sprayed on the petals or plant. It would be unwise to eat the leaves, especially if they are dried, as this is the precursor for several anticoagulants. It contains coumarin and can prevent the blood from clotting. The flowers are antiseptic, diuretic. White chrysanthemum tea is able to withstand very cold weather.It is thought to detoxicate and relieve rheumatic pains. It is said to lower blood pressure but this might come about from its diuretic qualities.