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Chrysanthemum indicum

Perennial growing to 0.6m by 0.6m . It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from August to October. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. We rate it 2 out of 5 for usefulness.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.

Cultivated Beds.

Flowers; Leaves; Seed; Tea.
The flower heads are pickled in vinegar.
Young leaves - cooked.
An aromatic tea is made from the leaves.
Seed. No more details are given but it is very small and would be rather fiddly to use.

Disclaimer
Antiphlogistic; Aperient; Bitter; Blood tonic; Depurative; Febrifuge; Ophthalmic; Stomachic; VD; Vulnerary.
The whole plant is antiphlogistic, blood tonic, depurative, febrifuge and vulnerary.

The plant is used in China to treat eye ailments. In conjunction with black pepper it is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea.

The leaves are depurative. They are used in China in the treatment of migraine.

The flowers are aperient, bitter, hypotensive, stomachic and vasodilator. They have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus, E. coli, streptococcus, C. diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae. The flowers are used in the treatment of furuncle, scrofula, deep-rooted boils, inflammation of the throat, eyes and cervix, eczema, itchiness of the skin and hypertension.

An essential oil obtained from the plant contains chrysanthenone, this is active on the brain centre affected by Parkinson's disease.

Oil.
The seed contains about 16% of a semi-drying oil, but no information is given as to its uses. The seed is rather small, commercial extraction is probably not viable[K].

Succeeds in most well-drained fertile soils in a sunny position.

Plants tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c and should succeed outdoors in most parts of Britain.

This species is closely related to D. x grandiflorum (the cultivated chrysanthemum) according to one report whilst another says that it is a parent of the cultivated chrysanthemum.

It has been proposed (1999) to restore this species to Chrysanthemum as C. indicum L. since the plant is so widely known under this name.

When bruised, the foliage has a pungent refreshing fragrance that is somewhat lemon-like and reminiscent of chamomile.

Seed - sow spring to early summer in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. It usually germinates in 10 - 18 days at 15°c but if it does not germinate within 4 weeks then try chilling the seed for 3 weeks in the salad compartment of a fridge. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Plant: Crushed When bruised, the foliage has a pungent refreshing fragrance that is somewhat lemon-like and reminiscent of chamomile.

Product name :Chrysanthemum indicum extract (Flos Chrysanthemi ;Wild Chrysanthemum).
Ingredient : Flavones 5%-20%
Function :  Chrysanthemum is used as a multipurpose sedative in Chinese medicine.
It helps relieve cough and lower anxiety and blood pressure.
Research in China using about 60 grams daily of Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers for lowering vascular pressure reported case success rates of 17.1% very effective 51.4% effective 31.5% not effective.
Note the high dose level thus indicating that Chrysanthemum is regarded as safe. Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers are one of two primary ingredients in a classical Chinese cough remedy a strong decoction .
Chrysanthemum morifolium also contains a flavonoid compound that is active against HIV infection.
Some individuals may experience contact dermatitis and allergic reactions though rare can occur.

• Eliminates Heat and Toxins
  For scrofula, furuncles, sores, deep rooted boils, eczema and pruritus.
• Relieves Hypertension
  For Liver heat and Wind-Fire causing red eyes.
• Chrysanthemum is used as a multipurpose sedative in Chinese medicine. It helps relieve cough, and lower anxiety and blood pressure
• Chrysanthemum is also used as a liver-balancer and digestive aid in Chinese medicine.
  The flowers have been shown scientifically to have antibacterial, antifungal and hypotensive effects, thus illuminating Chrysanthemum's traditional use for dizziness, ocular inflammation, and skin boils.
  The flowers also contain several strong anti-inflammatory compounds, effective both internally and externally. Of fifteen isolated Chrysanthemum compounds, all showed potent inhibitory effects against abnormal cells. One compound in particular, arnidiol, has cancer researchers seriosly interested.
  Chrysanthemum morifolium also contains a flavonoid compound that is active against HIV infection.
  Some individuals may experience contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions, though rare, can occur. It is always best to proceed very slowly with an herb one has not previously handled or ingested.

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