Besides being a beautiful flower, chrysanthemums are also a culinary and medicinal herb. Here are a few facts about this flower that you might not have known about.

• Chrysanthemum is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has a long history of use for treating colds and flu symptoms, supporting heart health, calming and soothing anxiety, and supporting kidney and liver function.
• Chrysanthemum contains choline which is most often found in eggs. Choline is an essential nutrient used in many of the steps in metabolism. It is critical for healthy cell membranes.
• One of the major uses of chrysanthemum tea is as a detoxifier. The tea is full of antioxidants and antibacterial properties that help promote detoxification. Combined with the tea’s diuretic properties that help to flush out the system, these properties make it a very effective cleanser, especially for the kidneys and liver.
• Natural insecticide. People often rub crushed and powdered Chrysanthemum into their pets’ fur to prevent fleas.
• The flowers, leaves, and stalks can be blanched and enjoyed in salads or as a side dish.

Find out more about chrysanthemum’s culinary and medicinal properties.