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Chrysanthemums
Nature gives us the
answer; if only we cared to look I have always wondered why we spend so
much time looking elsewhere, for happiness, healing, pleasure, or
serenity. We forget that nature envelops us, and has handed us all our
answers, if only we paid attention. Take the chrysanthemum. I walk
through a field of our chrysanthemums in the farm, and without even
trying, my heart delights in its simple splendor. It is often called the
flower of the Sun. Why? Chrysanthemums are not only delightful flowers,
these charming works of art can warm and fill your stomach, have healing
properties, protect you from the outside world, and while doing all
this, works with nature to prevent pollution.
The flowers were
first cultivated in China as far back as the 15th century B.C. Tao
Qian, an influential Chinese poet, reveres the chrysanthemum for its
symbolism of nobleness. In the 6th century AD, it was introduced in
Japan. It was venerated as the symbol of the sun and as representing
perfection. It was so loved that the Emperor adopted the flower as
his official seal. In Japan, the Emperor’s position is called the
Chrysanthemum throne. Europe named the flower from the Greek word
“chrysous” meaning golden.
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Chrysanthemums
have been used for centuries as tea and food. Yellow or white
chrysanthemum flowers are boiled to make tea in some parts of Asia.
The tea has many medicinal uses, including an aid in recovery from
influenza. Extracts of Chrysanthemum plants (stem and flower) have
been shown to have a wide variety of potential medicinal properties,
including anti-HIV-1, antibacterial and antimycotic. In Chinese
cuisine, Chrysanthemum leaves are steamed or boiled and used as
greens. Others use the petals to mix with a thick snake meat soup in
order to enhance the aroma. Have a problem with insects and bugs?
Chrysanthemums are natural insecticides! The flowers are pulverized,
and an active component (called pyrethrins) is applied in water or
oil, or as a powder. Pyrethrins attack the nervous systems of all
insects, and inhibit female mosquitoes from biting. They are
considered to be amongst the safest insecticides for use around
food. As if these are not enough, Chrysanthemum plants have been
shown to reduce indoor air pollution by the NASA Clean Air Study.
Flower Depot is
proud to be growing 20 different varieties of Chrysanthemum in our
Philippine flower farm. Our flower farm boasts of having 9 single
standard varieties, 9 spray daisy types, santini spray types and
button chrysanthemums. In fact, this is the most delightful spot in
our farm; you see colors of all shades, from deep purples to lime
greens. We even have purple anemones!
The Chrysanthemum
is just one little flower, among the multitude of gifts nature has
given us. It’s a pity we still have to wonder and look elsewhere,
when we already have the answer.
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