Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium, also known as Ju Hua in traditional Chinese medicine) has been used for centuries in East Asian medicine, especially in China, to treat symptoms associated with common colds and influenza, such as fever, headache, and sore throat. Its use is primarily rooted in traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. According to classical Chinese medical texts, chrysanthemum is believed to have cooling properties that help "disperse wind and clear heat," terms used in traditional medicine to describe symptoms like fever and inflammation. Chrysanthemum is often found in herbal formulas designed to alleviate flu-like symptoms and is typically prepared as a tea or decoction. Modern scientific studies on chrysanthemum’s efficacy against influenza are limited and mostly preliminary. Some in vitro studies have shown that chrysanthemum extracts possess mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which may provide symptomatic relief. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence to confirm its direct antiviral effects against influenza viruses or its effectiveness in human subjects for this condition. Most of the existing research is either animal-based or limited to laboratory settings, and well-designed human clinical trials are lacking. Thus, while chrysanthemum is widely used in traditional practice for influenza, its scientific evidence remains weak, and its use is best viewed through the lens of cultural and historical tradition rather than proven medical efficacy.

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