菊花 / 杭白菊 / 贡菊 — Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (incl. C. indicum L.)

Pinyin: Júhuā / Hángbáijú · Malay: Bunga Kekwa / Kekwa Putih · Family: Asteraceae (菊科)

Energetics

Slightly Cold (微寒)

Flavor

Sweet, bitter, aromatic (甘、苦、芳香)

Meridians

Lung (肺), Liver (肝)

Traditional Edict

Dispels wind-heat, calms the Liver and brightens the eyes, clears toxic heat. Superior-grade herb for wind-heat headache, dizzy spells from Liver-Yang hyperactivity, red swollen painful eyes, blurred vision, and boils.

Cautions & Contraindications

Do not boil excessively (destroys volatile terpenes). Contraindicated in severe Spleen deficiency cold diarrhea.

Clinical Applications

Ocular asthenopia (eye strain, dry eyes), diabetic retinopathy, essential hypertension, coronary microvascular spasm, tension migraine headaches, and hyperlipidemia.

Quality Markers

3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid >= 0.70% & Luteolin-7-O-glucoside >= 0.20% (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid and chlorogenic acid inhibit aldose reductase, halting diabetic cataract formation. 2. Luteolin and apigenin block voltage-gated calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, promoting coronary vasodilation and lowering blood pressure. 3. Flavonoids shield retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative apoptosis.

Preparation & Dosage

Whole dried flower heads infused in hot water (covered, 5-10 min) or decocted briefly: 5-10 g daily. Concentrated extract: 250-500 mg.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (杞菊地黄丸) with Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry) and Rehmannia for chronic dry eyes and blurred vision. 2. Sang Ju Yin (桑菊饮) with Morus alba leaf (Sang Ye) and Platycodon for wind-heat cough.

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Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only