Chrysanthemum plants have a history of popularity for having a hardy nature and not requiring extensive care. The plants come in a variety of colors, but people who use supplements typically use white chrysanthemums. Commonly, white chrysanthemum provides a base for a herbal tea where you simply steep a few dried flower heads in hot water. Chrysanthemum may have some medicinal qualities, and the plant may confer benefits in certain eye conditions.
Eye Benefits
Tea made from white chrysanthemum may help soothe eye irritation and dryness. People who use chrysanthemum tea also believe the remedy may help improve vision, but as of the date of this publishing, no study has verified this claim.
You can drink the tea or, if you use chrysanthemum tea bags, you can place the damp, slightly warm bags directly onto your closed eyelids to also provide relief. If you have eyelid swelling, cool damp tea bags may offer additional relief.
Other Benefits
Chrysanthemum may have other health benefits as well. Potential uses include helping fevers, colds and high blood pressure. In a 2010 study, researchers at the China Medical University in Taiwan evaluated cells from human umbilical veins and determined that the antioxidant properties of chrysanthemum may have some benefits in protecting the cardiovascular system. This study did not evaluate the role of chrysanthemum in treating or preventing disease in living humans.
Side Effects
Using chrysanthemum could result in light sensitivity and a skin rash. Chrysanthemum may interact with ragweed and medications such as high blood pressure medications.
Considerations
Monitor symptoms such as discomfort, irritation or swelling of your eyelids. These symptoms may resolve without treatment, but you should contact your doctor if your condition does not improve within a day or two. If your symptoms worsen or if you have a sudden change in your vision, contact your doctor immediately. Do not use chrysanthemum unless you first discuss the supplement and tea use with your doctor.
References
- MedlinePlus; Vision Problems; July 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Chrysanthemum; May 2011
- Clayton College of Natural Health; Celebrating Hot Tea and Promoting Eye Health
- Reiman Gardens: Iowa State University: Growing Chrysanthemums in the Garden
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Chrysanthemum Morifolium Ramat. Reduces the Oxidized LDL-Induced Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 and E-Selectin in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; C. K. Lii, et al.; March 2010
