Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum morifolium · Ju hua · Chrysanthemum indicum · Chrysanthemum tea

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
Knee osteoarthritis¹ Dry eye² Postprandial lipemia³ Systolic blood pressure⁴ Relaxation (inhaled oil)⁴	Ragweed allergy⁵ Pregnancy or breastfeeding⁶

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium, Chrysanthemum indicum) is a sunflower-family flower used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine⁵. Its flavonoids and polysaccharides act mainly through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity^{7, 8}. Studied uses include knee osteoarthritis, dry eye, and postprandial lipids. Traditional use extends to hypertension, fever, and colds⁵.

Human research is limited to about four small trials, covering knee osteoarthritis, dry eye, and postprandial lipids in healthy adults. A placebo-controlled trial of Chrysanthemum zawadskii extract found less pain and better knee function in mild osteoarthritis¹. Products listing chrysanthemum number 188 in US label records, mostly liquid extracts plus tea bags and powders; see Form comparison.

The most consequential caution is pharmacokinetic: a kidney transplant recipient developed toxic immunosuppressant levels after a tea containing chrysanthemum, which inhibited the enzyme that metabolizes those medications⁵. Health Canada labels ask for a practitioner's advice before use alongside prescription medications⁶.

Last updated October 17, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

22 sources, 21 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources