Safflower as an Herb

(Carthamus tinctorius)

This plant is not in any way related to Saffron, though the flowers are used similarly.

The Safflower plant, known in India as Koosumbha and in China as Hoang-tchi, is extensively cultivated in India, China and other parts of Asia, also in Egypt and Southern Europe; but its native country is unknown.

There are two types of safflower varieties, the type that produces oil which is high in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), and those with high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid). Either type of safflower raised in the Northern Great Plains is very low in saturated fatty acids when compared to other vegetable oils. Only the linoleic safflower is being grown commercially in the Upper Midwest. Varieties with a high content of oleic acid may soon be grown more widely.

The oil in linoleic safflower contains nearly 75 percent linoleic acid, which is considerably higher than corn, soybean, cottonseed, peanut or olive oils. This type of safflower is used primarily for edible oil products such as salad oils and soft margarines. Researchers disagree on whether oils high in polyunsaturated acids, like linoleic acid, help decrease blood cholesterol and the related heart and circulatory problems. Nonetheless, it is considered a "high quality" edible oil.

Medicinal Uses for Safflower

Safflower is chiefly used for dyeing silk, lending various shades of rose and scarlet. Mixed with finely-powdered talc it forms the wellknown substance called 'rouge.'

Infusions of safflower were used as a laxative.

Safflower blossoms are used in the tea form to treat hysteria, fevers, phlegm, and panic attacks.

Culinary

Safflower oil is commonly used in cooking to aid in lowering cholesterol.

Safflower seeds yield an oil used in India for burning as well as for culinary purposes.

Dried flowers are used to color food.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.