Bo ju hua: the chrysanthemum the pharmacopoeia ranks first

Bo ju hua is the white chrysanthemum of Bozhou, in Anhui province, China. Bozhou is nicknamed the "capital of medicinal plants": it hosts one of the largest herb markets in China and is the birthplace of Hua Tuo, a legendary physician of Chinese history.

Of the five chrysanthemums recognised by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it is the one the reference works rank first: in 1930, the Yaowu chuchan bian judged the Bozhou white chrysanthemum the best; in 1961, the Zhongyao zhi described it as the medicinal chrysanthemum of the finest quality.

A dense flower, a clear infusion

Its flower heads, about 2 cm across, are made of many tightly packed white ray florets around a small pale-yellow heart. It gives a clear, light-yellow infusion with a crisp floral scent and a taste that is slightly bitter, then sweet.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Rests the eyes: traditionally used to brighten the eyes and calm the Liver, after long hours in front of a screen.
• Soothes internal heat: slightly cool in nature, it disperses Wind-Heat; it is the most refreshing of the chrysanthemums.
• A moment of pause: theine-free, it can be enjoyed at any time of day, hot or iced.

Until now, we kept it for our practitioners’ preparations. We now offer it as whole flowers, to infuse at home.