Huizhou Tribute Chrysanthemum

Huizhou Tribute Chrysanthemum

　　　“Huizhou Tribute Chrysanthemum” is an outstanding variety selected from a group of chrysanthemums. Originally grown around Jinzhuling in She County, it is both ornamental and medicinal.

　　　　According to folklore, “Huizhou Tribute Chrysanthemum” was originally introduced as an ornamental flower from Deqing County in Zhejiang by Huizhou merchants during the Song Dynasty. During a severe drought, many people suffered from red-eye and headache. Some used fresh chrysanthemums soaked in water to reduce the fever, which proved very effective.

　　　　Later, people often used fresh flowers or dried chrysanthemums to make tea, treating conditions such as red and painful eyes and nervous irritability. Since then, households in the area have widely planted chrysanthemums around their homes. To preserve them longer, they were specially dried into chrysanthemum blossoms, making Jinzhuling famous far and wide.

　　　　During the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, red-eye disease spread to the Forbidden City in Beijing. The emperor issued an order to seek famous doctors and effective medicine. The Huizhou prefect presented Huizhou dried chrysanthemums, and after the people in the capital consumed them, their eye diseases were cured. Thus, the reputation of Huizhou chrysanthemums soared, and they came to be honored as “Tribute Chrysanthemum.”

　　　　Tribute Chrysanthemum has long been regarded as an important traditional Chinese medicinal herb and is also exported to Southeast Asia.

　　　　The production of “Huizhou Tribute Chrysanthemum” is very meticulous. After picking the fresh flowers, they are first air-dried on bamboo mats, then carefully roasted over charcoal. The finished Tribute Chrysanthemum is best when the blossoms are large and white. “Huizhou Tribute Chrysanthemum” has the effects of dispelling wind and heat, nourishing the liver and improving vision, as well as cooling and detoxifying. It can treat colds, boils and abscesses, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis.

　　　　When blended with other herbs, it can be made into medicines such as Sangju Cold Tablets and beverages like chrysanthemum crystals. “Huizhou Tribute Chrysanthemum” can be used for brewing tea or soaking in liquor. Regular consumption of chrysanthemum tea or wine can “cleanse the 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.