Knowing How To Care For Mums Can Reap You Benefits
Chrysanthemums are probably the last flowers you'll see when the coldness of the fall season settles in and wipes away summer's natural floral display. During autumn, many plant-owners take the opportunity to adorn their houses with an array of yellows, whites, reds, pinks, purples and oranges – courtesy of these vibrant flowers that, even with the most basic knowledge of how to care for mums, can probably last well beyond Thanksgiving.
But more than just turning your porches and lawns into a sight to behold, these “golden” flowers have more uses up their sleeve.
Chrysanthemums are said to date as far back as 15th century BC. The Chinese were the first cultivators of these flowers. But did you know that they were initially grown as flowering herbs?
One of the most famous uses or benefits of these perennial flowers is for their medicinal properties. Chrysanthemums contain active compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, Vitamin B1, betaine, choline and more, making them a good anti-inflammatory medicine. They also have antihypertensive and antipyretic properties. They are widely known to reduce high blood pressure, aid the liver in its functions, improve eyesight and relieve eye fatigue. Being cooling herbs, they are also known to reduce inflammation and cure abscesses and boils.
Pyrethrins which are one of the active components of chrysanthemums, are used in making a safe insecticide or, in small doses, work as insect repellents. Pyrethrins attack the insects' nervous system and prevent female mosquitoes from biting. Aside from preventing yourself from being bugged by insects knowing how to care for mums indoors can also benefit you as they can reduce indoor air-pollution.
There are even more reasons to have chrysanthemums inside your house. According to Feng Shui, chrysanthemum blooms bring laughter and joy in the home, not to mention a healthy lifestyle. This is because Chrysanthemum flowerheads or petals also make for great teas and salads: parboil them, add in some tofu, season with vinegar or soy sauce. You can also choose to add them to soups. Chrysanthemum flowers contain protein, fat and carbohydrates. For sweet teas, boil the flowerhead or petals in water.
In Japan, Chrysanthemums of any variety - Anemone, Daisy or Pom pom chrysanthemums - are used for natural toiletries. Wiping the body with cottons soaked with the essence of chrysanthemums offers a soothing and fragrant relief during humid summer days.
Because of their many symbolisms, these flowers have been widely used on various occasions - one of the most frequent being during funerals. As a symbol of purity, they are believed to drive away evil spirits. Pom pom chrysanthemums which induce feelings of youthfulness, playfulness and cheer have found their way into bouquets meant to cheer up a friend, as gifts for Mother's Day and at the wrists of the ladies swaying to the music at a homecoming dance.
When you know how to care for mums, these flowers will shower you with a lot more benefits than you can imagine. They are not called the “golden flower” for nothing – because they sure are worth their weight in gold.