Fuxi Tribute Chrysanthemum

Fuxi Tribute Chrysanthemum

　　Huangshan Tribute Chrysanthemum is produced in Huangshan, a world-renowned tourist destination in Anhui Province. It stands out from other chrysanthemum varieties due to its unique quality and processing techniques. With white petals, green stems, small flower centers, uniform and tightly packed blossoms, soft texture, fragrant aroma, and a mildly sweet yet slightly bitter taste, it has been hailed by the “Chinese Pharmacopoeia” as the “Crown of Chrysanthemums” and a “National Treasure,” ranking first among China’s four famous chrysanthemums. Huangshan Tribute Chrysanthemum belongs to the flat-petal small chrysanthemum variety. It originated in the Song Dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. During the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, when an outbreak of conjunctivitis spread through the capital, it was introduced by merchants from Huizhou, Huangshan, and used to cure the disease. As a result, it was honored as a tribute by the imperial court and thus named “Tribute Chrysanthemum.”

　　 The Fuxi production area of Huangshan Tribute Chrysanthemum features undulating mountains, flowing green waters, no severe summer heat or winter cold, distinct seasons, a warm and humid climate, abundant rainfall, and ample sunshine — conditions that are particularly suitable for the growth of Tribute Chrysanthemums. Huangshan Tribute Chrysanthemum has a slightly sweet and bitter taste with a mildly cool nature. It contains components such as chrysanthemum glycoside, adenine, choline, vitamin A1, B1, amino acids, potassium, and sodium salts. Clinical applications have proven that it can calm the central nervous system, enhance the anti-inflammatory resistance of capillaries, and inhibit the activity of human pathogens such as tuberculosis bacteria, staphylococcus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, influenza virus, skin fungi, cholera vibrio, and streptococcus.

　　“Huangshan Tribute Chrysanthemum” is an elite variety selected from the chrysanthemum population, possessing both ornamental value and medicinal properties. According to folklore, “Huangshan Tribute Chrysanthemum” was originally introduced as an ornamental chrysanthemum from Deqing County, Zhejiang Province, by Huizhou merchants during the Song Dynasty. During a severe drought, many people suffered from conjunctivitis and headaches. Some used fresh chrysanthemums soaked in water to reduce internal heat, which proved highly effective. Later, people frequently used fresh or dried chrysanthemums to make tea, treating conditions such as red and painful eyes and deficiency-related restlessness. Since then, households in the region widely planted chrysanthemums around their homes, and specially dried them to preserve them longer. During the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, when conjunctivitis spread in the Forbidden City of Beijing, the emperor ordered a search for renowned doctors and effective medicines. The Huizhou prefect presented dried Huizhou chrysanthemums, which cured the eye diseases of the capital’s residents upon brewing. As a result, Huizhou chrysanthemums gained great fame and were honored as “Tribute Chrysanthemums.” Tribute Chrysanthemums have long been regarded as an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The production of “Huizhou Tribute Chrysanthemum” is very meticulous: fresh chrysanthemums are first air-dried on bamboo mats and then carefully roasted with charcoal fire. The finished Tribute Chrysanthemums with large, white blossoms are considered the best. “Huizhou Tribute Chrysanthemum” has the effects of dispelling wind and heat, nourishing the liver and improving vision, as well as clearing heat and detoxifying. It can treat colds, boils and abscesses, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis. When combined with other herbs, it can be made into medicines such as Sangju Cold Tablets and beverages such as chrysanthemum crystals. “Huangshan Tribute Chrysanthemum” can be used for brewing tea or making wine. Regular consumption of chrysanthemum tea or wine can “cleanse the five internal organs, detoxify, and promote health,” contributing to longevity and beauty. Dried chrysanthemums left over from brewing can be used as pillow stuffing to bring a cooling effect, improve vision, and refresh the mind.