What is the difference between wild chrysanthemum and chrysanthemum? How do their effects and actions differ?

I believe friends who have lived in the countryside know that wild chrysanthemums are very easy to spot on the mountains. After blooming, they appear yellow, and generally have capitula or radially symmetrical petals. So, what is the difference between wild chrysanthemum and the artificially cultivated chrysanthemum seen on the market? Can wild chrysanthemum be used to make tea just like chrysanthemum? Let's find out together.

Although wild chrysanthemum looks extremely similar to chrysanthemum in appearance, if you look closely at the flower size, there is a difference in size between them. Generally speaking, the flower diameter of wild chrysanthemum does not exceed 2cm, while the flower diameter of chrysanthemum can reach 5cm. However, judging from the adaptability of the two types of chrysanthemum, the vitality of wild chrysanthemum is stronger than that of chrysanthemum.

In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum is regarded as a medicinal material for clearing heat and removing toxins, with effects of cooling blood and reducing inflammation. This is a common medicinal effect of all plants in the Asteraceae family. Among them, chrysanthemum can be used as a tea substitute and is itself a common chrysanthemum tea, while wild chrysanthemum is generally used in decoctions, though some people also brew it as tea. However, because wild chrysanthemum is colder in nature, it is not recommended to drink it as tea over the long term.

In terms of taste, because wild chrysanthemum is a chrysanthemum that grows naturally on the mountains and mostly grows in the wild, its taste is relatively bitter, and in flavor it is also inferior to artificially cultivated chrysanthemum. Therefore, in terms of taste, chrysanthemum is not very bitter and has a stronger fragrance.

The specific effects of the two also differ. Chrysanthemum is slightly cold in nature and sweet in taste, and can enter the liver and lung meridians. It has the effects of dispersing wind-heat, clearing the liver and improving vision, and calming liver yang. Clinically, it is mostly used for symptoms such as wind-heat common cold, headache, and dizziness. Wild chrysanthemum is colder in nature and bitter and pungent in taste, so its effect of clearing heat and removing toxins is stronger. It is mainly used for heat-toxin conditions, such as boils, eczema, and sore throat. Therefore, whether it is artificially cultivated chrysanthemum or wild chrysanthemum, each has its own unique value in its respective field.

Overall, both have heat-clearing effects in traditional Chinese medicine theory, but wild chrysanthemum has a colder nature and stronger heat-clearing and toxin-removing potency, while chrysanthemum is milder and has a relatively wider range of applications. When using them, the appropriate type should be chosen according to the specific condition and constitution.