Every time the weather turns cold, people crave the pleasant aroma and delicious taste of chrysanthemum greens transformed into warm dishes suitable for the season. Few know that eating this type of vegetable during cold days is exceptionally beneficial for health, potentially curing many common winter ailments while also enhancing well-being as temperatures drop.
As the Chinese proverb goes: “All diseases originate from the liver.” The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) states that the liver is the organ that carries the responsibility of the body’s general health, with many issues stemming from this vital organ.
Chrysanthemum greens are rich in nutrients such as vitamin K, protein, carotene, and various amino acids…
Therefore, those who know how to maintain the health of their liver are sure to live longer. Among the ways to nourish the liver, one of the most affordable methods is to eat more chrysanthemum greens. This vegetable was so highly regarded in ancient times that it was known as the “food of emperors,” as it was often served in royal courts.
During the Tang Dynasty, physician Sun Simiao praised chrysanthemum greens highly. He noted that this vegetable has a sweet, pungent flavor, a cooling nature, and is non-toxic. It is extremely beneficial for the internal organs, including: promoting blood circulation, nourishing the heart, moistening the lungs, reducing phlegm, and calming the mind.
According to modern medical research, chrysanthemum greens are very nutrient-dense, containing vitamin K, protein, carotene, and various amino acids… helping with sleep, nourishing the liver, improving eyesight, cleansing the lungs, reducing constipation, lowering blood pressure, protecting the brain, nourishing the heart, and purifying the blood…
Among these, vitamin K is essential for promoting blood clotting and bone health, while also helping to maintain normal liver function.
Thus, chrysanthemum greens can be considered an excellent vegetable for internal organ health.
Chrysanthemum greens are a very familiar type of vegetable.
Among the types of greens closely associated with the lives of Vietnamese people, chrysanthemum greens are one of the most common.
According to former Colonel and general practitioner Bui Hong Minh (Vice President of the Ba Dinh Traditional Medicine Association in Hanoi), chrysanthemum greens have various names such as: gynura, chrysanthemum, tần ô, đồng cao, xuân cúc, scientifically known as Glebionis coronaria, and belonging to the Asteraceae family. In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum greens are characterized by a mild sweetness, slight bitterness, aromatic flavor, cooling nature, and non-toxicity. They are believed to harmonize the spleen and stomach, calm the mind, promote urination, and reduce phlegm… This vegetable is considered effective for stimulating appetite, aiding digestion, alleviating phlegm, and dispelling wind-heat… Furthermore, this vegetable also has the effect of calming the liver, nourishing the kidneys, and treating symptoms such as palpitations, rapid heartbeats, anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.
Modern medical studies have also shown that the benefits of chrysanthemum greens extend beyond nutrition; they are also highly effective as a medicinal herb. On average, a small chrysanthemum plant contains up to 1.85% protein, 2.57% carbohydrates, 0.43% lipids, amino acids, lysine, dietary fiber, and many important vitamins.
Research in modern medicine also indicates that chrysanthemum greens serve not only as food but also as an excellent medicine.
Chrysanthemum greens soup with lean meat.
According to practitioner Bui Hong Minh, during cold days, we should increase our consumption of chrysanthemum greens to help prevent many common illnesses associated with the cold season. Just eating a small amount in the evening can lead to better sleep and improved mood, reducing nighttime urination. Particularly, if experiencing dry cough, productive cough, persistent cough, or colds in cold weather… eating chrysanthemum greens will significantly alleviate these symptoms. This is one of the most noteworthy benefits of chrysanthemum greens.
Note: Although chrysanthemum greens are very good for health and can treat many ailments, those with a weak constitution, cold stomach, or diarrhea should limit their intake of this vegetable.
This vegetable is also prone to contamination with worm eggs, so it should be cooked before consumption.
Chrysanthemum greens may take some time to show effects, so continuous consumption for 3-10 days is necessary to achieve desired results. In cases of severe illness, it is advisable to consult a doctor for effective treatment rather than relying solely on chrysanthemum greens while neglecting other treatment methods.
