Chrysanthemums are celebrated in the fall in the United States. No matter which stores you go to, you’re going to see mum plants. They come in different colors, from burgundy to red to pink to yellow to orange to green. Mums have become a popular fall plant because they can live in cooler temperatures.
Though chrysanthemums are stunning plants, many don’t know that these flowers have a lot of medicinal properties. Mums are used in medicines and teas to treat things like the common cold and any chronic dis-ease you can think of.
The excellent news is Chrysanthemums can actually be planted any season, meaning that you can use them in your daily routine year-round.
Spiritual Beliefs of Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are the national flower of Japan. The flower’s name is derived from “Chrysanthos”, the Greek word for a golden flower. The gold center of the plant is believed to house all of its mystical healing powers that grant humanity longevity, happiness, love, and joy.
Here are 10 ways the mum plant can help you enhance your quality of life.
Reduces Fever and Cold Symptoms
In Chinese medicine, chrysanthemums create cold energy in the body that metabolizes in the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. It works to slow the spread of infection to healthy tissues by reducing fever and cold symptoms when caught in the beginning stages.
Osteoporosis
Chrysanthemums can also treat osteoporosis. Studies show that while they are not an instant treatment, they can relieve symptoms when taken consistently over a long period by decreasing the heat and inflammation in the joints.
Nutrient Content
Chrysanthemums are loaded with essential nutrients. They are packed with the following vitamins:
- K, A, B, and C
- Fiberniacin
- Beta-carotene
- Calcium, magnesium, and zinc
- Iron
- Amino acids
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Riboflavin
- Sodium
This means that consuming mum tea will not only boost your immune health but add a layer of protection from viral and bacterial infections, making you less likely to get sick and more likely to recover faster.
Detoxes the Liver and Kidneys
Consistently consuming chrysanthemum tea improves liver function by helping your body get rid of toxins in the blood. When the liver is cleansed, one will achieve enhanced hormone production, which will lower the symptoms of mental disorders and changes in mood.
Mum tea also detoxes toxins and bacteria from the kidneys, preventing the spread of bacteria to the blood and reducing the onset of a severe infection.
Blood Flow to the Heart
Chrysanthemum tea increases blood flow to the heart, which causes vasodilation. Vasodilation is the body’s natural response to low oxygen or nutrients and an increase in body temperature.
When this happens, the blood vessels widen to increase blood flow which lowers blood pressure helping you manage cardiovascular disease symptoms.
Since headaches, dizziness, and chest pain can be linked to cardiovascular problems, it may decrease the occurrence of these symptoms.
Diabetes
Jiang Tang Kang is a Chinese herb used to treat diabetes by promoting fluid production. Can you guess the main ingredients of the herb?
You guessed it, chrysanthemum plant and chromium. Studies show that individuals with type 2 diabetes who took Jiang Tang Kang for six months showed lower blood sugar levels.
Respiratory Issues
High levels of vitamin C in the mum plant help relieve congestion from sinusitis by clearing away phlegm and calming the lungs. It also strengthens the lungs and lowers the intensity of shortness of breath. The plant has excellent antihistamine properties that can help prevent allergies.
I can name a few people who suffer from seasonal allergies. How about you?
Prostate and Stomach Cancer
Newer research has shown that mum tea can lower the spread of cancer cells throughout the body in prostate cancer patients. It works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Combining mum plant, Panax ginseng, and licorice may stop the growth of precancerous cells in the stomach while promoting healthy cell development.
Digestion
Mum tea aids healthy digestion by enhancing how the stomach processes fatty elements. It can also treat the sudden onset of nausea and indigestion to help you get back to normal after a big holiday dinner.
I know, but it is December!
Chrysanthemums Promote Weight Loss
The vitamin B content in chrysanthemum plants stimulates the metabolism, speeding up the breakdown of fat and elimination. This is a huge benefit for men and women looking to lower the body fat in their midsection.
Now, add all of the other benefits together.
You have now lowered the level of inflammation in your body, eliminated fats, and lowered the number on the scale. You have also increased your immunity and lowered your risk of cancer.
How to Consume Chrysanthemums
The best way to take consume chrysanthemums is in tea.
You have options on how to prepare them. First, you can remove the leaves from the flowers and leave them to dry for several days in the sun. You can also use a food dehydrator to speed up the processor.
In some cultures, the greens from the flower are used in tea and consumed as salad.
Or, you can purchase the dried leaves online.
Making the Tea
Heat a pot of water on the stove to boiling and add in the leaves to make the tea. You can save the access for another day or just make eight ounces at a time.
It is not advised to consume large amounts of mum tea every day. However, drinking no more than eight ounces 2 to 3 times per week is the best way to consume it safely and reap the benefits of the flower.
Consider the Possibility of Allergies
If you are allergic to daisies or ragweed, you could be allergic to chrysanthemums.
If exposure to the plant causes allergy symptoms to flare up, it is best to find another holistic alternative.
Planting your Chrysanthemums
If you choose to plant your own chrysanthemum plant, start by digging a hole at least twice the size of the root ball. It is best to use organic matter or compost to help them grow big and thick.
Also, plant each bulb at least 18 inches apart. Water the mum plants regularly but sparingly. During the spring and summer months, water them first thing in the morning. It is essential to avoid excess water collection around the stems because it can cause root rot.
Chrysanthemums can grow with limited sunlight, but it is best to plant them in a spot where they can get regular direct sunlight.
If you keep your mums outside, understand that they will die once the frost hits them. However, they are perennials meaning they will grow back the following year.
Word Of Caution
Ensure that you are using chrysanthemums that have not been sprayed with pesticides. It is always best practice to buy and grow your own or to purchase dried flowers from a Chinese store.
Some of the plants in your local grocery or hardware stores may in fact contain pesticides.
Wrapping Up
Mum plants are a great natural way to enhance your health. They symbolize love, happiness, longevity, and joy. If you decide to try planting your own and brewing your tea, let me know how it goes in the comments below.
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And remember, don’t play with your body. You only get one!