Differences Between White Chrysanthemum and Yellow Chrysanthemum
Apr 18, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Zhengxin
Introduction
Differences Between White and Yellow Chrysanthemum Flowers:
Both white and yellow chrysanthemum flowers are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Aside from their color differences, their primary medicinal applications also differ: yellow chrysanthemum is mainly used to disperse wind-heat, whereas white chrysanthemum is primarily employed to clear liver fire. Another distinction lies in their common uses—yellow chrysanthemum is more frequently used in herbal formulas, while white chrysanthemum is more commonly brewed as tea. In daily life, yellow chrysanthemums are traditionally associated with celebration and auspiciousness, whereas white chrysanthemums are often used in funerals and mourning ceremonies.
Chrysanthemum morifolium var. albus (white chrysanthemum) and Chrysanthemum morifolium var. flavus (yellow chrysanthemum) are the two most common chrysanthemum varieties encountered in daily life. Besides their differing colors, they possess numerous other distinctions—many of which remain unfamiliar to the general public. So, what exactly are the differences between white and yellow chrysanthemums? Let’s explore them together.
Differences Between White and Yellow Chrysanthemums
Both white and yellow chrysanthemums are used medicinally. Aside from their color differences, their primary therapeutic applications also differ: yellow chrysanthemum mainly functions to disperse wind-heat, whereas white chrysanthemum primarily clears liver-fire.
1. White Chrysanthemum
Medicinally, white chrysanthemum calms and nourishes the liver, clears liver-fire, improves vision, clears the heart, tonifies the kidneys, strengthens the spleen and stomach, soothes the throat, promotes fluid production, and helps regulate blood lipid levels. It is especially effective for treating symptoms caused by upward-flaring liver-fire, such as elevated blood pressure, headache, dizziness, red and swollen eyes, blurred vision, and dry eyes.
2. Yellow Chrysanthemum
Medicinally, yellow chrysanthemum disperses wind-heat and resolves exterior syndromes. It is commonly used to treat wind-heat感冒 (wind-heat invasion), carbuncles and boils, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis. It is particularly effective for relieving sore throat due to wind-heat colds, or oral ulcers, sore throat, and hoarseness resulting from internal accumulation of heat-toxin.
Another notable distinction lies in their typical applications: yellow chrysanthemum is more frequently used in herbal medicine preparations, while white chrysanthemum is more commonly brewed as tea. Combining the two for therapeutic use generally yields suboptimal results. In everyday life, yellow chrysanthemum is traditionally associated with celebration and auspiciousness, whereas white chrysanthemum is conventionally used in funerary rites.
The above outlines the key differences between white and yellow chrysanthemums. As varieties of chrysanthemum, both share the general properties of chrysanthemums and can even be incorporated into culinary preparations. We hope this explanation proves helpful to you.
