Records and Descriptions of Wild Chrysanthemum in Compendium of Materia Medica

Introduction
The Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) is a monumental pharmaceutical work compiled by Li Shizhen, a renowned medical scholar of the Ming Dynasty in China. Completed in 1578, the book contains over 1.9 million characters, documenting 1,892 medicinal substances, 11,096 prescriptions, and 1,160 exquisitely drawn illustrations, organized into 16 sections and 60 categories [11]. As a pivotal text in the history of Chinese medicine, it not only records the properties, therapeutic uses, and applications of a vast array of medicinal substances but also encompasses rich natural knowledge and cultural significance. Wild chrysanthemum, a commonly used folk herb, is described in detail in the Compendium of Materia Medica. This paper provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the records and descriptions of wild chrysanthemum in this classic work.

Naming and Classification of Wild Chrysanthemum

Distinction Between Wild Chrysanthemum and Chrysanthemum

In Compendium of Materia Medica, wild chrysanthemum is designated as "Kuyi" and distinctly cataloged apart from cultivated chrysanthemum (referred to as true chrysanthemum). Li Shizhen systematically differentiated these as two separate medicinal herbs within the botanical section [1]. Historical annotations from Collected Commentaries identify two varieties: one characterized by purple stems, aromatic fragrance and sweet flavor - the authentic chrysanthemum; the other distinguished by intense bitterness and inedibility, termed Kuyi and classified as non-authentic chrysanthemum [10].

Regarding the etymology of Kuyi, Li Shizhen elucidated: "The designation 'Yi' originates from lotus seed embryo, which shares comparable bitterness, thus warranting the shared nomenclature" [14]. This terminology reflects the herb's pronounced bitter profile, analogous to the acrid taste of lotus plumule.

Taxonomic Classification of Wild Chrysanthemum

The organizational framework of Compendium of Materia Medica positions wild chrysanthemum within the herbaceous division, precisely categorized in "Volume XV: Herbs IV" under the "Marsh Flora" classification [23]. This botanical grouping includes documented specimens of chrysanthemum alongside related species: Achillea, Artemisia argyi, Artemisia indica, Artemisia capillaries, Artemisia annua, Artemisia lactiflora, among other artemisia varieties [23].

Morphological Characteristics of Wild Chrysanthemum

According to the records in Compendium of Materia Medica, the morphological features of wild chrysanthemum are as follows:

Growth Habitat:
Wild chrysanthemum "grows by marshes" (sheng ze pan), indicating its prevalence in wetlands and wild environments. The text notes that it is "extremely abundant in fields everywhere" (chu chu yuan ye ji duo) [14].

Stem Characteristics:
"The stem resembles that of Kalimeris indica" (jing ru ma lan), suggesting its stem shape is similar to that of the Kalimeris herb [14].

Floral Characteristics:
"The flowers resemble chrysanthemums" (hua ru ju), meaning its blossoms share a visual likeness with cultivated chrysanthemums, though their flavor differs [14].

Leaf Characteristics:
Additional references indicate that wild chrysanthemum leaves are darker in color and thinner in texture compared to those of common chrysanthemums [6].

(Note: Chinese terms in parentheses are provided for reference, maintaining the original textual flavor while ensuring clarity for English readers.)

Would you like any adjustments to the formatting or terminology? For instance:

Using italics for Latin plant names (Kalimeris indica)

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Adjusting the botanical terminology for precision

Medicinal Properties and Effects of Wild Chrysanthemum

Characteristics of Medicinal Properties
The Compendium of Materia Medica records that wild chrysanthemum's roots, leaves, stems, and flowers all possess medicinal value, with properties described as "bitter, pungent, warm, and slightly toxic" [7]. This indicates wild chrysanthemum has bitter and pungent tastes, a warm nature, and mild toxicity, requiring cautious use.

Therapeutic Effects
According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, wild chrysanthemum has multiple medicinal effects:

Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Wild chrysanthemum can clear heat and remove toxins, treating unspecified swellings and infections [7]. The Ben Cao Qiu Zhen also states: "Wild chrysanthemum: disperses fire energy and eliminates carbuncle toxins" [9].

Treating Carbuncles, Boils, and Sores
Effective for carbuncles, boils, erysipelas, and other inflammations [13].

Treating Scrofula (Lymph Node Tuberculosis)
Can be used to treat scrofula [9].

Treating Eye Inflammation and Pain
Alleviates heat-induced eye pain [9].

Treating Blood Stasis in Women
Shows therapeutic effects on gynecological blood stasis [9].

Treating Pemphigus and Eczema
Boiling wild chrysanthemum roots with jujube wood for washing treats pemphigus [8].

Relieving Wind-Heat Headaches
The Compendium records it "regulates the five pulses, balances the limbs, and treats wind-heat headaches" [0].

Treating Cranial Bone Swelling
Addresses cranial bone swelling pain [0].

Nourishing Eye Blood and Removing Nebula
Nourishes ocular blood and clears corneal opacities [0].

Treating Liver Qi Deficiency
Has therapeutic effects on insufficient liver qi [0].

Pharmacological Meridian Tropism
The Ben Cao Qiu Zhen states wild chrysanthemum "specifically enters the Lung and Liver meridians" [9], meaning its pharmacological effects focus primarily on these two organ systems, making it an important herb for external abscesses.

Wild Chrysanthemum: Collection and Application

Collection Methods
The Compendium of Materia Medica does not directly record specific collection methods for wild chrysanthemum. According to related references, wild chrysanthemum is generally harvested in batches during its peak flowering period in autumn, and can be used either fresh or dried [16].

Application Methods
The Compendium of Materia Medica documents various methods of using wild chrysanthemum:

For treating unnamed swellings and toxins: Take wild chrysanthemum with its stems, crush them, decoct with wine, and consume while hot to induce sweating. Apply the remaining dregs to the affected area [7].

For treating carbuncles, boils, sores, and erysipelas: Take 15g of wild chrysanthemum with stems, crush them, add an appropriate amount of wine for decoction, consume while hot, and apply the residue topically. Alternatively, crush together with 10g of cocklebur herb, add one bowl of wine, extract the juice and drink. Another method is to use with 15g of dandelion and 20g of honeysuckle [13].

For treating pemphigus and eczema: Decoct wild chrysanthemum roots with jujube wood and use as a wash [8].

For making herbal tea: Wild chrysanthemum can be brewed as tea, which has heat-clearing, detoxifying, and mind-refreshing effects [12].

Compatibility and Applications

Wild chrysanthemum is often used in combination with other herbs such as cocklebur herb, dandelion, and honeysuckle to enhance its therapeutic effects [13]. This compatibility approach is widely adopted in clinical practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine to achieve synergistic effects.

Comparison Between Wild Chrysanthemum and Other Chrysanthemums

Differences Between Wild Chrysanthemum and Cultivated Chrysanthemum
The Compendium of Materia Medica clearly distinguishes wild chrysanthemum ("Kuyi") from cultivated chrysanthemum ("True Chrysanthemum"):

Taste difference: Cultivated chrysanthemum tastes sweet while wild chrysanthemum tastes bitter [10]. The Shennong's Herbal Classic describes chrysanthemum as bitter, while the Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians describes it as sweet. Li Shizhen noted: "Experts consider the sweet variety as true chrysanthemum and the bitter one as Kuyi, with only the sweet type used medicinally" [4].

Medicinal value difference: Cultivated chrysanthemum is mainly used for clearing heat, detoxifying, calming the liver and improving vision, while wild chrysanthemum is primarily used to treat external conditions like carbuncles, boils, and erysipelas [13].

Morphological difference: Cultivated chrysanthemum has purple stems with fragrant aroma and sweet taste; wild chrysanthemum has stems resembling Kalimeris indica, flowers similar to chrysanthemum but with bitter taste [10].

Differences Between Wild Chrysanthemum, White Chrysanthemum and Yellow Chrysanthemum
Beyond the distinction between wild and cultivated chrysanthemum, there are also yellow and white varieties of chrysanthemum:

Yellow chrysanthemum: The Book of Rites·Monthly Ordinances records "chrysanthemums with yellow flowers" [10].

White chrysanthemum: The Collected Commentaries mentions "there is also white chrysanthemum...rare and hard to obtain" [10].

Wild chrysanthemum: Unlike yellow or white chrysanthemum, wild chrysanthemum tastes bitter and is mainly used to treat surgical diseases [13].

Modern Applications of Wild Chrysanthemum

Medicinal Value
Modern research shows that the dried capitulum of wild chrysanthemum can be used as traditional Chinese medicine. The flowers are slightly cold in nature and possess the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, purging fire, and calming the liver [12]. This is largely consistent with the records in the Compendium of Materia Medica, indicating that the medicinal value of wild chrysanthemum remains recognized and applied in modern times.

Edible Value
Wild chrysanthemum has not only medicinal value but also edible value. Wild chrysanthemum tea has a rich aroma, refreshes the mind, relaxes nerves, and relieves headaches, making it suitable as a health beverage [12]. This demonstrates that the modern applications of wild chrysanthemum have expanded from purely medicinal use to the health drink industry.

Modern Research
Contemporary studies on the herbal textual research of chrysanthemum indicate that chrysanthemum has been documented in detail in various historical materia medica classics, including aspects such as its name, origin, varieties, scientific nomenclature, production areas, harvesting, processing, preparation methods, and quality [15]. This shows that the records of wild chrysanthemum in the Compendium of Materia Medica provide important reference material for modern research.

Cultural Significance of Wild Chrysanthemum

Cultural Symbolism
Chrysanthemums hold important symbolic meaning in Chinese culture, often representing nobility and resilience. However, the Compendium of Materia Medica records wild chrysanthemum separately from cultivated chrysanthemum, suggesting that wild chrysanthemum may not have enjoyed the same elevated cultural status as its cultivated counterpart in ancient times.

Medicinal Cuisine Culture
While documented primarily as a medicinal herb in the Compendium of Materia Medica, wild chrysanthemum has now been incorporated into modern medicinal cuisine culture, serving as both a therapeutic agent and health-preserving ingredient [12]. This evolution reflects the elevated status of wild chrysanthemum in Chinese culture, extending its applications from pure medicinal use to the realm of functional foods.

Conclusion
The records and descriptions of wild chrysanthemum in the Compendium of Materia Medica provide comprehensive information regarding its morphological characteristics, medicinal properties, harvesting methods, and applications. As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, wild chrysanthemum's therapeutic value continues to be recognized and applied in modern times, particularly demonstrating remarkable efficacy in treating conditions such as unspecified infections, carbuncles, boils, and erysipelas.

The documentation of wild chrysanthemum in the Compendium of Materia Medica not only preserves ancient medical knowledge but also serves as a crucial reference for contemporary medical research. With advancements in modern medicine, the medicinal value and cultural significance of wild chrysanthemum are expected to be further explored and enhanced.

References：

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[8] Compendium of Materia Medica/Herbs IV - Wikisource. https://zh.wikisource.org/zh-hans/%E6%9C%AC%E8%8D%89%E7%B6%B1%E7%9B%AE/%E8%8D%89%E4%B9%8B%E5%9B%9B
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[11] What is the original content of Compendium of Materia Medica·Volume 8·Herbs·Wild Chrysanthemum?-Interesting History Network. https://m.qulishi.com/article/202207/637026.html
[12] Wild Chrysanthemum_Baidu Encyclopedia. https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%87%8E%E8%8F%8A/67899
[13] The Differences You Should Know: Chrysanthemum and Wild Chrysanthemum - 360Doc. http://www.360doc.com/content/23/0626/20/33097762_1086356074.shtml
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