Daylily
Synopsis of Daylily
History
The daylily (Hemerocallis) has a rich history of use in traditional medicine across East Asia, especially in China, Korea, and Japan. Revered for its vibrant flowers and tender shoots, daylily has long been integrated into both culinary and medicinal practices. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), daylily is known as "Jin Zhen Cai" and is valued for its cooling and detoxifying properties. Healers have historically employed the flower buds to alleviate symptoms of insomnia, reduce inflammation, and address anxiety and restlessness. It has also been used as a gentle diuretic, to promote urination and relieve edema, and to soothe digestive complaints such as constipation and abdominal pain. Folk remedies even include daylily preparations for jaundice and fever reduction.
Beyond its use as a single herb, daylily is frequently included in herbal combinations to enhance its beneficial effects. In TCM, it is often blended with herbs like chrysanthemum and honeysuckle to create formulas that target heat and toxicity, or combined with calming herbs to support mental tranquility and emotional balance. Its mild, nourishing nature makes it a versatile ingredient that harmonizes well with other botanicals, amplifying both flavor and therapeutic impact.
Modern nutritional products continue to draw on these time-tested traditions, incorporating daylily as a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its legacy as a gentle yet effective remedy stands as a testament to its ongoing value in promoting holistic wellness and supporting balanced health.
Traditional and scientific validation
Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) has a long-standing history of use in traditional East Asian cuisine and herbal medicine. In China, the flowers and young shoots have been consumed for centuries, valued not only for their flavor but also for their potential health benefits. Traditional uses include promoting diuresis, supporting liver health, and alleviating insomnia and anxiety.
Scientific investigations into daylily’s nutritional and medicinal properties have identified a variety of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and carotenoids, which may contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Some animal studies suggest that daylily extracts can exhibit neuroprotective and hepatoprotective properties. For example, research published in Food & Function (2018) reported that daylily flower extracts reduced oxidative stress markers in mice, hinting at potential benefits for human health.
In addition, daylily has demonstrated mild sedative and anxiolytic effects in preliminary laboratory studies, supporting its traditional use for calming the mind. The flowers are also a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to meals.
However, clinical trials in humans are limited, and more well-designed studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of daylily for specific health outcomes. While scientific validation is still emerging, the historical and nutritional profile of daylily highlights its potential as a valuable ingredient in modern nutritional products.
Daylily is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Blood in Urine (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Daylily is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
