Ju Hua (菊花) is the traditional Chinese herbal name for chrysanthemum flower, most commonly associated with Chrysanthemum morifolium. Dried chrysanthemum flowers have a long history of use in Chinese herbal traditions and are also enjoyed as a fragrant herbal tea.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ju Hua is traditionally described using concepts such as dispersing Wind-Heat, clearing Liver Heat, and brightening the eyes. These expressions belong to the traditional TCM system and are not modern medical diagnoses or claims that chrysanthemum treats eye disease, liver disease, fever, infection, or other medical conditions.
Ju Hua is the dried flower of chrysanthemum species traditionally used in Chinese herbalism. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, the same botanical family that includes daisies, sunflowers, and ragweed.
Chinese chrysanthemum flowers may be white, cream, pale yellow, or golden depending on the variety and processing method. The dried flowers have a light floral aroma and are frequently prepared as an herbal infusion.
Ju Hua is used both as a single herb and as an ingredient in traditional multi-herb formulas. Its role within a formula depends on the other herbs present and the traditional purpose of the formula.
| Pin Yin Name | Ju Hua |
| Chinese Name | 菊花 |
| Common Name | Chrysanthemum Flower |
| Botanical Name | Chrysanthemum morifolium |
| Plant Family | Asteraceae |
| Part Used | Flower |
| Traditional Taste | Sweet, bitter |
| Traditional Nature | Slightly cold |
| Traditional Meridians | Lung and Liver |
| Traditional TCM Category | Herbs That Release the Exterior – Wind-Heat |
| Common Forms | Dried whole flowers, tea, powder, extracts, and traditional formulas |
Ju Hua has been used in Chinese herbal traditions for centuries. Traditional Chinese herbal references classify the flower according to characteristics such as flavor, temperature, meridian association, and traditional actions.
In traditional TCM terminology, Ju Hua is commonly described as:
These descriptions are part of the historical Chinese medical system. They do not mean that Ju Hua has been established to treat fever, infections, hypertension, eye diseases, liver disease, poisoning, or other medical conditions.
The term Wind-Heat is a traditional Chinese medicine pattern description. It does not refer to literal wind entering the body, nor is it another name for a particular modern illness.
TCM developed its own terminology for describing patterns observed by traditional practitioners. Terms such as Wind, Heat, Cold, Dampness, Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, and Liver refer to concepts within that traditional system.
Therefore, when an herbal reference says that Ju Hua traditionally “disperses Wind-Heat,” the statement should be understood within the context of TCM theory rather than as a medical treatment claim.
The word Liver has a broader meaning within Traditional Chinese Medicine than the anatomical liver alone.
Traditional TCM descriptions connect the Liver system with a variety of functional relationships and pattern characteristics. Consequently, saying that Ju Hua traditionally “clears Liver Heat” does not mean that chrysanthemum cleanses, detoxifies, repairs, or treats the physical liver.
For this reason, we do not describe Ju Hua as a “liver detox” herb. The traditional terminology and modern medical concepts should remain separate.
Traditional Chinese Medicine associates the Liver system with the eyes. For this reason, classical herbal descriptions frequently use the phrase “brightens the eyes” when discussing Ju Hua.
“Brightening the eyes” is traditional TCM terminology. It should not be interpreted as evidence that Ju Hua corrects vision, treats glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, eye infections, or other eye disorders.
The historical connection remains an important part of understanding how Ju Hua has been classified and used within traditional Chinese herbalism.
Several cultivated forms of chrysanthemum are used in Chinese herbal preparations and teas. The flowers can differ in color, size, aroma, growing region, and processing.
White and pale chrysanthemum flowers are especially familiar as traditional herbal teas, while yellow and golden varieties are also commonly encountered.
Traditional herbal literature sometimes distinguishes varieties according to regional source and traditional characteristics. Names that may be encountered include:
Availability and naming vary among suppliers. When purchasing Ju Hua, check the botanical identity and product description rather than relying only on flower color.
One of the simplest and most familiar ways to enjoy dried chrysanthemum is as an herbal tea. The flowers produce a light, fragrant infusion that may be enjoyed alone or blended with other herbs and teas.
Whole dried flowers are generally placed in hot water and allowed to steep until the desired strength and flavor develop. Preparation can vary with the size and density of the flowers, so follow the directions supplied with the product whenever available.
The flowers may often be infused more than once, although the aroma and flavor generally become lighter with subsequent infusions.
Chinese herbal formulas frequently combine multiple herbs rather than relying on a single ingredient.
Within a traditional formula, Ju Hua may be combined with herbs selected according to traditional formulation principles. Its role depends upon the overall composition and traditional purpose of that particular formula.
This is important because a traditional action assigned to Ju Hua by itself should not automatically be used to describe the effects of every formula containing chrysanthemum.
The chrysanthemums sold by florists and garden centers should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for making herbal tea.
Plants grown primarily for ornamental use may be different cultivars and may have been treated with agricultural products that were not intended for herbs or food.
For tea or herbal preparations, choose chrysanthemum specifically sold and labeled for culinary or herbal use.
Chrysanthemum flowers contain numerous naturally occurring plant compounds that have attracted scientific interest.
Researchers have studied constituents including:
The chemical profile can vary depending on the chrysanthemum variety, growing conditions, processing, extraction method, and other factors.
Identifying compounds in a plant does not establish that drinking chrysanthemum tea or taking a chrysanthemum product will produce the effects observed in experiments involving isolated constituents.
Chrysanthemum species and their naturally occurring constituents continue to be studied in modern botanical and laboratory research.
Research areas include:
Much of this research involves laboratory experiments, isolated plant constituents, concentrated extracts, animal models, or preparations that may differ significantly from traditional chrysanthemum tea.
These studies should therefore be viewed as areas of scientific investigation rather than proof that a particular Ju Hua product produces a specific health outcome.
Customers interested in exploring published research can begin with these PubMed searches:
Research Note: Research involving chrysanthemum flowers, isolated constituents, extracts, laboratory models, animals, or other preparations does not establish that a specific Ju Hua product has the same effects in humans. Research information is provided for educational purposes and is not intended as a claim about products sold by 1st Chinese Herbs.
When purchasing dried chrysanthemum for herbal or tea use, look beyond the common name. Clear product identification makes it easier to understand exactly what you are buying.
Useful information to check includes:
Because herbal products can vary by harvest, source, and processing method, consult the individual product description for the specifications of the Ju Hua you are purchasing.
Chrysanthemum is widely consumed as an herbal tea, but an herb that is traditionally used as food or tea may still be unsuitable for some people.
People who are sensitive or allergic to members of the Asteraceae family, including ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or related plants, should use particular caution with chrysanthemum.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using concentrated chrysanthemum products or regularly using herbal preparations if you:
Stop using the product and seek appropriate medical advice if you experience an unexpected or allergic reaction.
Ju Hua is the Chinese herbal name for chrysanthemum flower traditionally used in Chinese herbalism. Chrysanthemum morifolium is one of the botanical names commonly associated with Ju Hua.
The flower is the part traditionally used as Ju Hua.
Dried Ju Hua flowers are commonly prepared as chrysanthemum tea. However, chrysanthemum may also be used in herbal formulas, extracts, powders, and other preparations.
Do not assume an ornamental chrysanthemum is appropriate for consumption. Garden and florist plants may be different cultivars or may have been treated with products not intended for food use. Choose flowers specifically sold for culinary or herbal preparation.
“Brightens the eyes” is traditional Chinese medicine terminology associated with the traditional relationship between the Liver system and the eyes. It is not a claim that Ju Hua improves eyesight or treats an eye disease.
“Clearing Liver Heat” is a traditional TCM description and should not be translated into the modern claim that chrysanthemum detoxifies, cleanses, repairs, or treats the physical liver.
Different cultivated varieties of chrysanthemum can vary in color, aroma, region of cultivation, processing, and traditional description. Check the botanical and supplier information for the specific product rather than relying on color alone.
Herbal products can interact with medications or may not be appropriate for every individual. If you take prescription medication, consult your physician, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before adding an herbal supplement.
Ju Hua is a beautiful example of an herb that crosses the line between traditional herbalism and everyday tea. Whether you are learning about Chinese herbs, preparing a floral infusion, or studying the ingredients in traditional formulas, knowing the botanical identity and the meaning of traditional terminology can help you make more informed choices.
When shopping for Ju Hua, review the individual product page for botanical information, plant part, preparation form, sourcing information, and directions specific to that product.
Terms such as “Wind-Heat,” “Liver Heat,” “brightening the eyes,” “clearing heat,” “resolving toxicity,” “meridians,” “Liver,” and similar expressions describe concepts within Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are presented for historical and educational purposes and are not intended to represent modern medical diagnoses or claims that chrysanthemum treats a disease or medical condition.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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