Safflower Flower Petals (Stamens) Profile
Also known as- Carthamus tinctorius, False Saffron, and Azafran
Introduction
Safflower is more familiar to westerners as the source of vegetable oil, but the petals of the native American plant make a pleasant tasting tea that has been recommended for centuries as a calmative for intestinal ills. The florets contain nutrients and are used in treatment of many illnesses, including menstrual pain, cardiovascular abnormalities and as a tonic tea. In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is used to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, and some research has suggested that it may lessen damage to the brain when blood flow is blocked as by a stroke. In addition, constituents in safflower petals discourage cell proliferation and encourage apotptosis (cell death), which may make extract of safflower petals useful in treating psoriasis and cancer.
Constituents
Carthamin, carthamadin
Parts Used
The petals (also called stamens, threads or flowers)
Typical Preparations
Can be made for use as a dye, and whole petals used as tea
Summary
Safflower petals have been shown to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and to sooth coughs and bronchial spasms. A tea of safflower petals can have a similar effect to chamomile tea, soothing and relaxing. It has been used in Chinese traditional medicine, in Native American herbal medicine and in Ayurvedic medicine, for remarkably similar purposes. It has been used to treat scabies, skin lesions, heart conditions and rashes, and the most recent research indicates that safflower tea may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Besides its medicinal uses, safflower leaves have also been used as pigment and dye * from deep yellow to crimson * for centuries, and are sometimes used as natural food coloring.
Precautions
None known
