CHRYSANTHEMUM SINENSE.—菊花 (Chü-hua), 227. The character 菊 is a general name for several kinds of Composite plants, but is applied particularly to this one species, which is indigenous to China, growing in a wild state in several parts of the empire, especially the north. It has also been cultivated from very ancient times as a favorite winter flower, very many varieties being found in the Chinese gardens. The wild plant is small, seldom exceeding one foot in height, and late in the autumn bears small flower heads, the florets of the disk being yellow, while those of the ray are rose colored. A yellow flowered variety is also very common, is called at Peking 小野菊花 (Hsiao-yeh-chü-hua), and may be Chrysanthemum indicum. The Pêntsao gives a large number of alternative names, but the one at the head of this article is the one by which the plant is universally known. The varieties entering commerce are the 杭菊花 (Hang-chü-hua), or variety from Hangchou; the 黃菊花 (Huang-chü-hua), which by some is considered to be Anthemis; the 甘菊花 (Kan-chü-hua), or “sweet chrysanthemum;” and the 白菊花 (Pai-chü-hua), or “white chrysanthemum.”
Some difference is made by the Chinese in the medical uses of different varieties, although their therapeutical action is regarded as practically identical. The use of the ordinary cultivated varieties is thought to benefit the blood and circulation, and to preserve the vitality. The flowers are prescribed in colds, headaches, and inflamed eyes. Pillows are recommended to be made of the flowers or leaves for the treatment of these difficulties. The white variety is considered to be especially useful in preserving the hair from falling out or turning grey. The flowers are soaked in wine, producing a “chrysanthemum wine,” the use of which is considered beneficial in a great variety of digestive, circulatory, and nervous difficulties. The use of the dew gathered from the flowers is also held in much repute in preserving and restoring the vital functions. Of the wild variety, the whole plant is recommended to be used. It is thought to be slightly poisonous. It is employed in decoction in the treatment of retained menses, and as a wash in infected and cancerous sores, and as a fomentation in enlarged glands. Anti-vinous properties are also ascribed to this plant. Any of these varieties, and especialy the Kan-chü, will make a good substitute for chamomile.