Latin name: Carthamus tinctorius
Common name (s): American Saffron, Autumn Crocus, Crocus Karcom, False Saffron, Krokos (Sanskrit), Saffer (Arabic), Safflower, Saffron, Saffron Thistle, Spanish Saffron
Safflower was used as a tonic made from safflower seed juice and chicken stock or sweetened water to treat constipation and to relief respiratory disorders and problems. Safflower is an aromatic bitter herb that stimulates the uterus, relieves pain and reduces fever. It works great in healing jaundice and the measles as well.
Safflower herbal tea works great in the treating of colds, cough, fevers and flu. It has been valued for centuries for it valuable red and yellow dyes. It has been used in rouge and the dying of silks for centuries according to ‘Herb Walk Medicinal Guide’ by Mary Ann P. Chai.
It can be used to neutralize and dissolve uric acid deposits which aids in the healing and bringing relief from arthritis, gout and kidney stones. It helps in digestion and improves the functions of the colon. Safflower also helps in the cleansing of the blood vascular system and dissolving blood clots.
Safflower increases the flow of urine and it also aids in bowel functions. Safflower herbal tea helps in the expelling of phlegm from the lungs which aids in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Safflower is an excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids. It works well in the treating of fevers and eruptive diseases in small children.
Safflower is an annual that has a tall erect stem and it grows spiny toothed leaves. In the summer it blooms flowers that are thistle like with deep yellow florets which are surrounded by spiny edged bracts that are really leafy like and the flowers are followed by oblong white seeds. Safflower is a hardy plant.
Safflower is an alterative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue and laxative. The parts of the plant that are used in herbal healing are the flowers. Oil from safflower is used in cooking and works great in cholesterol reducing diets.
Safflower can be used to treat any of the following:
Appetite stimulant, arthritis, boils, bronchitis, bruising, chicken pox, coronary artery disease, digestive disorders, fevers, gallbladder disorders and problems, gas, heartburn, heart problems, high cholesterol, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, hysteria, inflammation, jaundice, lactic acid, liver disorders and problems, measles, menstrual disorders and problems, menopausal problems, mumps, perspiration, phlegm, poison ivy, psoriasis, scarlet fever, skin inflammation, sprains, stomach acid, sweating, tuberculosis, uric acid and urinary disorders and problems.