Plant

The chrysanthemum flower, with its vibrant colors and delicate petals, has long been cherished in both Eastern medicine and culinary traditions. Known for its dual use as an ornamental and medicinal herb, it has earned a revered place in Chinese culture. From herbal remedies to delicious dishes, the chrysanthemum offers a wealth of benefits to those who know how to use it. Yet, there is much more to this seemingly simple flower than meets the eye. Let's dive into the world of medicinal and edible chrysanthemums and uncover their rich history and versatile uses. Healing with Chrysanthemums: Ancient Wisdom in Modern Times Chrysanthemum, or Chrysanthemum morifolium, comes in three primary varieties used in traditional medicine: white chrysanthemum, yellow chrysanthemum, and wild chrysanthemum. While all share similar therapeutic properties, each type has its unique strengths. White chrysanthemum is celebrated for its ability to calm the liver and improve eyesight, yellow chrysanthemum helps disperse heat and wind from the body, and wild chrysanthemum is praised for its detoxifying properties. The medicinal qualities of chrysanthemums are recognized in ancient Chinese texts, such as The Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica (神农本草经), where it is described as a top-grade herb that nourishes the blood,…

Every year, April ushers in a delicate and fleeting spectacle in the countryside— the bloom of locust trees. These unassuming trees burst into clusters of soft white blossoms, revealing a charm that captivates both the eyes and the palate. From afar, the flowers appear as pure white, but upon closer inspection, they possess a subtle hint of green, giving them an ethereal quality. Their gentle beauty is paired with a sweet fragrance, drawing both humans and animals into their embrace. Unlike most trees that either produce flowers for beauty or fruits for sustenance, the locust tree offers both. Its blossoms are not just a treat for the eyes but also a delicacy for the taste buds. Long revered in traditional cuisine, locust blossoms are used to make dumplings, stir-fries, and even steamed buns. The flower's duality—its visual allure and culinary utility—has made it a beloved symbol of springtime abundance. When the blossoms are in full bloom, they crowd together in dense clusters, as though competing for space on the same branch. The sight of them standing side by side evokes memories of bustling families and close-knit communities. Unlike solitary flowers that bloom in isolation, locust blossoms thrive in their togetherness,…

This year, the fragrance of osmanthus arrived a little late. By the end of the eighth lunar month, just as I passed by the lake, the familiar aroma of the small, golden blossoms suddenly wafted through the air. A colleague nudged me, half-joking, “It’s time for you to write about the osmanthus.” Though I smiled, I hesitated. Writing about the osmanthus feels like navigating a well-trodden path. It’s a flower adored by so many that describing it in a fresh way feels almost impossible. It’s too easy to fall into clichés, which makes capturing its essence all the more elusive. As I sit down to write now, I find myself wondering how to infuse something new into a subject so well-loved, how to create a feeling of connection that is both intimate and distant. How can I write about a flower so familiar, yet evoke the kind of surprise and wonder that makes you pause? The Subtle Call of Autumn I have few memories of autumn from my youth. It’s as if the beauty of the season can only be truly understood with age. When you’re young, autumn is just a brief pause between summer and winter—its crisp winds, fallen…