Radix Chrysanthemi Morifolii
Aliases：Changsheng (Taiqing Jing); White Chrysanthemum Root.
Juhuagen (Chrysanthemum Root) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the root of Dendranthema morifolium (Ramat.) Tzvel., a plant in the family Asteraceae (Compositae). It is recorded in Bencao Zheng, Gangmu Shiyi, Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes urination; clears Heat and removes toxin.
Indications
Retention of urine (difficult urination); sore throat with swelling and pain; carbuncles, swellings, and furuncles; furuncles; throat furuncles; throat obstruction (throat impediment); acute mastitis (mastitis in nursing mothers).
Modern Pharmacology
Dedicated pharmacological research on Chrysanthemum Root itself remains insufficient. The following findings are primarily derived from chemical and bioactivity studies on the non-medicinal parts of chrysanthemum (root, stem, and leaf), and are provided for reference: Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects: Polysaccharides from the non-medicinal parts of chrysanthemum exhibit effects in intervening in inflammatory bowel disease, indicating anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential. Anticancer and insecticidal effects: The Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, records that the pharmacological effects of Chrysanthemum Root include anticancer, insecticidal, and plant growth regulator activities. The root of the Asteraceae plant Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium has been confirmed to possess anticancer activity. Antibacterial activity: Various terpenoids have been isolated from the roots of Chrysanthemum species, some of which possess antifungal activity. Studies on the antibacterial activity of the essential oil from the roots, stems, and leaves of Chrysanthemum trifurcatum have also confirmed its antibacterial potential. Pharmacological basis related to traditional effects: Bencao Zheng records that Chrysanthemum Root “is effective in promoting urination; when pounded for juice and taken with wine, it greatly treats retention of urine.” Its diuretic effect may be related to constituents such as cytokinins present in the root. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from comprehensive studies on the non-medicinal parts of chrysanthemum or activity screening of related species of the same genus. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Chrysanthemum Root (the root of C. morifolium) remains to be further conducted. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Chrysanthemum Root mainly contains the following active constituents: Cytokinins: The root contains cytokinins, which are characteristic constituents. Amino acids: Thirteen amino acids have been detected in the roots, stems, and leaves of chrysanthemum. The distribution order of total amino acid content is: root > leaf > stem. The amino acid content in the root is the highest among the non-medicinal parts. Nucleosides: Four nucleosides have been detected in chrysanthemum leaves, and two nucleosides have been detected in the stems and roots, respectively. Flavonoids: The mass fraction of flavonoids in the root is 5.88%–8.02%. Organic acids: The root contains organic acids, with a mass fraction of 1.89%–2.64%. Polysaccharides: The stems and roots are the parts with the highest content of polysaccharides, far exceeding the leaves and flowers. Others: It also contains volatile oils, phenolic acids, and other constituents.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 15–30 g; or pounded to extract the juice for drinking. External use: Appropriate amount, pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
Not suitable for individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Chrysanthemum Root is cold in nature; its use by individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold may aggravate discomfort. It should not be consumed together with cold-natured foods such as watermelon, so as to avoid irritating the gastrointestinal tract and causing diarrhea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician. In the Taiwan region, Chrysanthemum Root is listed as a “raw material whose safety has not been confirmed and shall not be used.” It may not be used as a food ingredient before its edible safety has been confirmed. This product is a Chinese herbal medicine and should be used under medical guidance.
Selected Formulas
For urinary retention (Buzhi Yi Biyao) Crush white chrysanthemum root to extract half a tea cup of juice. Take it with hot wine; or mix with boiling water plus a small cup of wine. For acute mastitis (“chuiru”) (Quxi Danfang Xuan) Pound sweet chrysanthemum root and leaves. Take with fermented rice wine, and apply the residue to the affected area. For furuncles (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual) Crush fresh chrysanthemum leaves and apply externally; decoct the root and stem in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Chrysanthemum Root Tea: Take 3 pieces of white chrysanthemum root, wash and chop them, then brew with boiling water and drink as a tea substitute. This tea has the effect of clearing Heat and removing toxin. It is suitable for lower abdominal pain caused by postpartum Qi and Blood deficiency combined with contraction of Damp-Heat toxin. In addition, the shoots of chrysanthemum can be used as a vegetable, the leaves can be brewed in water, the flowers can be eaten, and the roots and fruits can be used medicinally.
Medicinal Parts
Root.
Selection & Storage
Dried material should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight. Fresh material should be used promptly or refrigerated for short-term storage.
