There are about 30 species of chrysanthemums, a member of the daisy family with large white, yellow or pink flowers. Chrysanthemums are popular in Chinese medicine and are used to treat inflammation, hypertension, respiratory diseases and eye problems. A December 2009 report in Oncology Reports indicates that chrysanthemums may have anti-cancer effects, and a September 2009 article in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrates effects against neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. Chrysanthemums also have well-known side effects.
Contact dermatitis
Chrysanthemums are known to cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Contact dermatitis is an acute or chronic skin irritation that can involve inflammation, red patches and itchy skin. This reaction occurs because either a chemical in the plant irritates your skin or you are allergic to one of the plant's chemicals. You should have a patch test administered by a medical professional to determine the cause of your dermatitis.
Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity is a type of skin irritation that occurs when sensitive skin exposed to the chrysanthemum is then exposed to ultraviolet light. The light acts on the plant's chemicals on the skin and causes a reaction characterized by red, inflamed patches. The chemical alantolactone in chrysanthemums may be responsible for this photosensitivity. Wear gloves while handling the flower if you have any skin sensitivity.
Insulin Sensitivity
Some chrysanthemum products may affect blood glucose and heighten insulin sensitivity in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Do not use chrysanthemum if you are taking insulin.
Hypotensive
Chrysanthemum flowers have hypotensive effects and are used as a sedative and lower blood pressure. Do not take chrysanthemum flowers with other sedatives or high blood pressure medicine as they may intensify the effects of those drugs.
Allergies
Chrysanthemums may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you are already allergic to chrysanthemums or any member of the daisy family, including goldenrod, ragweed or sunflowers, do not take herbal preparations that contain chrysanthemum, as they may worsen your allergic condition. Extremely sensitive individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the scent of the chrysanthemum's volatile oil or pollen. Allergy symptoms may include mild reactions like skin rash or serious reactions like asthma and hives.
Poisoning
Chrysanthemums contain chemicals called pyrethrins that are used to make insecticides. Products containing pyrethrins may cause eye damage, asthma, inflammation and poison the nervous system. They are also toxic to pets. Avoid prolonged exposure to these products.
Additive Effects
Chrysanthemums have anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-HIV, and anti-inflammatory effects. Do not take chrysanthemum products if you are taking medication for these ailments or other herbs that have similar effects, as chrysanthemum may intensify or inhibit them.
Pregnancy
Do not take products containing chrysanthemum if you are pregnant. There is not enough scientific evidence to guarantee the safety of this herb during pregnancy.
References
- "Oncology Reports"; Distinct effect of Chrysanthemum indicum Linné extracts on isoproterenol-induced growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells; Yuan A, Li Z, Li X, Yi S, Wang S, Shi K, Bian J.; December 2009.
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat (CM) extract protects human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against MPP(+)-induced cytotoxicity; Kim IS, Koppula S, Park PJ, Kim EH, Kim CG, Choi WS, Lee KH, Choi DK; September 2009.
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