Treating colds and fevers with chrysanthemum

According to traditional medicine: chrysanthemum has a bitter, spicy, and aromatic taste, and a warm nature. It is used to treat colds, fever, coughs, abdominal distension, vomiting, detoxification, phlegm removal, urinary retention, rheumatism, and back pain...

Pluchea indica Less, also known as the compassionate plant or the lức plant, belongs to the Asteraceae family (Compositae). In Vietnam, it grows wild and is cultivated throughout the country, often planted as a green hedge and its leaves are used in medicine. The plant is small, 2-3m tall, with slender branches; the leaves are nearly oval-shaped, slightly pointed at the tip, tapering at the base, serrated at the edges, and covered with fine hairs on the underside. The leaf blade is 4-5cm long and 1-2.5cm wide. The entire plant (leaves, branches, and roots) can be used medicinally. Leaves are usually used fresh (young and mature leaves are harvested year-round), while branches and roots are usually used dried for medicinal purposes.

The chrysanthemum plant is effective in treating colds and fevers.

The entire plant contains mainly essential oils with a characteristic aroma. According to traditional medicine: chrysanthemum has a bitter, spicy, and fragrant taste, and a warm nature. It is used to treat colds, fever, coughs, abdominal distension, vomiting, detoxification, phlegm removal, urinary retention, rheumatism, and back pain. It is used in the form of a decoction (10-20g per day) or as an inhalation remedy. For external use, there is no specific dosage.

To treat headaches and fever: Take 2 parts fresh chrysanthemum leaves, 1 part lemongrass leaves, and 1 part lime leaves (each part about 8-10g), boil them in water, and drink while still hot. Add more water to the remaining leaves, boil again, and use the steam for inhalation.

In some places, people also use chrysanthemum leaves combined with Terminalia catappa leaves (which have cooling properties) and Ocimum basilicum leaves, decocted and drunk to treat colds and fevers.

To treat back pain: Take chrysanthemum leaves and young branches, crush them, add a little alcohol, heat the mixture, and apply it to the painful area on both sides of the kidneys.

Treating injuries and bruises: Crush chrysanthemum leaves and apply the paste to the injured area for faster healing.

According to Health & Life