Property and Effects of Safflower:Pungent in flavour,warm in property, acting on the heart and liver channels.Used as Laxative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Sedative, Nervine, Emmenagogue, Purgative, Anti-rheumatic,Invigorating circulation of blood, normalizing menstruation.
Saffron in Medicine:As a therapeutical plant, saffron it is considered an excellent stomach ailment and an antispasmodic, helps digestion and increases appetite. It is also relieves renal colic, reduces stomachaches and relieves tension. During the last years it was used as a drug for flu-like infections, depression, hypatomegaly and as a sedative for its essential oils. It is also considered that in small quantities it regulates women's menstruation, and helps conception.
This herb is used traditionally in China to treat coronary disease, thrombotic disorders, and menstrual problems. Alcoholic extracts of the plant are used topically for direct application to ulcers and wounds. Safflower has been used effectively as a diaphoretic and a diuretic.
Botanical Basic Data of Safflower(Carthamus tinctorius L.).:
Botanical name: Carthamus tinctorius L.
Pharmaceutical name: Flos Carthami Tinctorii
Plant family:Asteraceae (sunflower family, also known as aster family.alt. Compositae),subfamily Asteroidae.Genus:Carthamus; Species:tinctorius
Common name:Safflower
Definition: safflower, false saffron, Carthamus tinctorius:thistlelike Eurasian plant widely grown for its red or orange flower heads and seeds that yield a valuable oil
Habitat: Disturbed places, roadsides to 3000', escape from cultivation as oil-seed crop, native to Mediterranean
Used plant part:Flowers
Economic importance:Food additives: coloring Harmful organism host: crop diseases,Bee plants Environmental: ornamental Human food: oil/fat Animal food: fodder Materials: lipids; tannin/dyestuff Medicines: folklore
Safflower is a small, white nutritious seed that is high in protein and fat. Safflower is a commonly-used base oil due to its high protein, mineral and vitamin content.
Safflower seeds are also high in monounsaturated fatty acids, and contain moderate levels of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, helping reduce cholesterol and playing a critical role in prevention of coronary artery disease.
Soil Types: Average Plant Type: Annual
Flowering time: Midsummer.
Astrology.. It is saturnine.
Where To Plant: Full Sun to Partly Shady
Scientific Name: Carthamus tinctorius
Common Name: Safflower
Other Common Names: Alazor, Azafran, Beni-Bana, E'Sfer, False Saffron, Habb Et Quirthim,
Huang Lan, Hung Hua, Hung Lan Hua, Kasumba, Kesumba, Qurtum, Saffloer, Safflower, Yao Hua
Ethnic names:Alazor, Azafran, Beni-Bana, E'Sfer, Habb Et Quirthim, Huang Lan, Hung Hua, Hung Lan Hua, Kasumba, Kesumba, Qurtum, Yao Hua.
Synonyms: pharm:Flores Carthami
Arabic:Asfour, Asfur, Usfur Assamese:Kusumphul Bengali:Kusumphul Bulgarian:Saflor.
Chinese(Cantonese):Daaih huhng faa,Huhng laahn faa. Chinese(Mandarin):Da hong hua, Hong lan hua.
Catalan:Flors de cartam Croatian:safranika, Bojadisarski bodalj
Danish:Farvetidsel, Safflor Dutch:Saffloer
English:Safflower, Safflor, Bastard saffron Esperanto:Tinktura kartamo
Farsi:Gul rang Finnish:Saflori French:Carthame, Safran batard
Gujarati:Kusumbo Hindi:Kusam Icelandic:Litunarkollur
Italian:Cartamo, Falso zafferano Kannada:Kusube Laotian:Kham nhong
Malayalam:Shinduram Marathi:Kardai Norwegian:Saflor
Oriya:Kusuma Pahlawi:Zardak Polish:Krokosz barwierski Punjabi:Kusam
Russian:Saflor Sanskrit:Kusumbha Tamil:Kusumba
Telugu:Agnisikha Thai:Kham nhong Yiddish:Tseyfblum
Safflower is an annual herb whose botanical name is Carthamus tinctorius. It is a member of the Asteraceae family. It has long, spiny leaves and yellow or reddish flowers on a stiff, upright stem. The seeds produce an edible oil. Safflower grows to a height of about 3 ft (1 m) in poor, dry soils in full sun. The origins of this plant are not clear, although some herbalists suggest the basin of the Euphrates River. Today safflower grows wild in Iran, northwest India, and North Africa. It has also spread to the Far East and North America. Safflower is cultivated extensively both as a herb and as a food crop.
Other names for safflower include false saffron, dyer's saffron, American saffron, bastard saffron, Mexican saffron, and zaffer. Despite these names, safflower is in no way related to true saffron, although it is sometimes used to adulterate that spice because true saffron is very expensive and safflower is relatively cheap. In Chinese medicine, safflower flower is called hong hua; in India it is known as koosumbha.
Synonyms of Safflower Oil:8001-23-8,84988-98-7,Carthamus tinctorius oil,EINECS 232-276-5,Fats and Glyceridic oils,safflower,Hi-oleic safflower oil,HSDB 5153,Oils,glyceridic,safflower,Oils,safflower,SAFFLOWER OIL,Safflower oil [Oil, edible],Safflower seed oil,Thistle oil.
What it is Safflower?Property,Effects and constitution of Safflower.:
Safflower,Carthamus tinctorius L., is a member of the family Compositae or Asteraceae, is a thistle-like plant with a strong central branch stem, a varying number of branches, and a tap-root system. Each branch will usually have from one to five flower heads containing 15 to 20 seeds per head. The seed oil content ranges from 30 to 45 percent. Flower color is usually yellow or orange, although some varieties have red or white flowers. Plant height in North Dakota varies between 15 and 30 inches depending on environmental conditions.
The taproot of safflower can penetrate to depths of 8 to 10 feet if subsoil temperature and moisture permit. As a result, safflower is more tolerant to drought than small grains.
Traditionally, the crop was grown for its flowers, used for colouring and flavouring foods and making dyes, especially before cheaper aniline dyes became available, and in medicines.
Origin:
The flower of Carthamus tinctorius L., an annual plant, of the family Compositae. Native to parts of Asia and Africa, from central India through the Middle East to the upper reaches of the Nile River and into Ethiopia.
The safflower plant grows from 0.3 to 1.2 m high. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. The plant can grow in nutritionally poor soil and requires dry or moist soil. It cannot grow in the shade but can tolerate drought.
Safflower has flowers that may be red, orange, yellow, or white. The dried flowers may be used to obtain carthamin, a red textile dye that was commercially important at one time but has since been replaced by synthetic aniline dyes, except in local areas of southwestern Asia. Safflower has been used as an adulterant of the condiment saffron.
Oil obtained from the seed is the chief modern use of the plant. Safflower oil does not yellow with age, making it useful in preparing varnish and paint. Most of the oil, however, is consumed in the form of soft margarines, salad oil, and cooking oil. It is highly valued for dietary reasons because of its high proportion of polyunsaturated fats. The meal, or cake residue, is used as a protein supplement for livestock. Safflower, grown chiefly in India, has been introduced as an oil crop into the United States, Australia, Israel, Turkey, and Canada.
Safflower is cultivated in China as a blood herb. It is grown in most areas of China and mainly produced in the provinces Henan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Sichuan, etc. Harvested when the flower turns from yellow into red in summer, the flower is dried in the air or sun for use when raw.
Property and Effects of Safflower:
Pungent in flavour,warm in property, acting on the heart and liver channels.Used as Laxative, Diaphoretic,
Diuretic, Sedative, Nervine, Emmenagogue, Purgative, Anti-rheumatic.
Invigorating circulation of blood, normalizing menstruation and eliminating blood stasis to relieve pain.
Properties: Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, it is related to the heart and liver channels.
Functions: Promotes blood circulation to regulate menstruation and removes blood stasis to alleviate pain.
Safflower is ranked third in a survey of 250 potential anti-fertility plants.
Meal or seedcake is used as feed for livestock, that from unhulled seeds containing 18-24% protein, from hulled seed, 28-50% protein. Seeds contain 32-40% oil, 11-17% protein and 4-7% moisture. Per 100 g, the seeds are reported to contain 482 calories, 4.8 g H2O, 12.6 g protein, 27.8 g fat, 50.5 g total carbohydrate, 25.1 g fiber, 4.3 g ash, 126 mg Ca, 310 mg P, 9.7 mg Fe, 0 ug beta-carotene equivalent, 0.59 mg thiamine, 0.14 Mg riboflavin, 0.5 mg niacin,, and 0 mg ascorbic acid. The oil contains 1.5% myristic (with lauric and lower acids), 3% palmitic, 1% stearic, 0.5% arachidic (with trace of lignoceric), 33% oleic, and 61% linoleic acids. Decorticated seed for animal feed contain 8.7% moisture, 10.0% fat, 45.4% protein, 20.1% carbohydrates, 8.3 fiber, and 7.5% ash (C.S.I.R., 1948-1976). Safflower florets contain carthamin (C21H22O11 H2O) which is red and insoluble in water, and safflower yellow (C16H20O11) which is soluble in water.
Functions and clinical use of safflower.:
Safflower has been known since ancient times as a source of orange and yellow dyes and food colourings, and more recently has been grown for the seeds, which yield an edible oil: some areas have been grown for this purpose in Southern Europe. Present interest centres on types with different fatty acid profiles in the seed oil, which are suitable for industrial use in products such as paints and varnishes.
1.Invigorates the Blood and promotes menstruation: used for Congealed Blood patterns, with amenorrhea, abdominal pain, postpartum dizziness, lochioschesis, and abdominal masses. Dispels Congealed Blood and alleviates pain: used for Congealed Blood wounds and pain, nonsuppurative sores, carbuncles, and dark, purplish erythema. Also used for incomplete expression of the rash of measles or chest Painful Obstruction from Congealed Blood.
Invigorates circulation, breaks up blood stasis condition, and promotes menstruation: rheumatoid arthritis, injuries from impact, swollen boils, irregular menses, pain in stopping of menses, pain from blood stasis after birth. Small amount can invigorate circulation and large amount can get rid of blood clots. It is an important herb in blood stasis therapy and often is prescribed with tao ren. To invigorate circulation, it is often used with dang gui, chuan xiong, shao yao. to rid of blood stasis, it is used with san leng, wo zhu, and da huang.
2. Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea dueto blood stasis andpostpartum abdominalpain due to retentionof blood stasis: It is often used with peach kernel, Chineseangelica root and chuanxiong rhizome, as in Decoction of Four Ingredients Including Peach Kernel and Safflower(Taohong Siwu Tang).For masses in the abdomen, it can be used with burreed tuber, zedoary and red sage root.
To treat amenorrhea (abnormal absence or suppression of menses) and dysmenorrhea (difficult and painful menstruation) due to blood stasis and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation:
Dispersing in its pungent taste and clearing in its warm nature, and specially entering the blood system, this herb can promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis and remove obstruction from and regulate the flow in the channels.
a) Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to blood stasis and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation:
This herb is often used in combination and mutual reinforcement with peach kernels, Chinese angelica, chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), etc.
b) Amenorrhea:
It is used in combination with Chinese angelica, zedoary turmeric rhizome (Rhizoma Zedoariae), cassia bark, etc., e.g., Gexia Zhuyu Tang.
c) Dysmenorrhea:
This herb can be used in combination with herbaceous peony unpeeled root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), yanhusuo (Rhizoma Corydalis), nutgrass flatsedge rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi), etc., in order to regulate the flow of qi to alleviate pain.
It can also be used alone, e.g., Hong Lan Hua Jiu in the book 'Synopsis of Recipes of the Golden Chamber', i.e., this herb is decocted with the addition of wine in order to treat stabbing pain in the abdomen due to blood stasis and qi stagnation.
3. Various kindsof pain due to bloodstasis: For chest pain due to obstruc-tion of qi in the chest, it is often prescribed with red sage root, red peony root and chuanxiong rhizome; for pains in the hypochondriumdue to blood stasis,it can be used withfrankincense, myrrhand peach kernel; for pain of traumaticinjuries, it can be used with sappan wood,dragon's blood (Resina Draconis) and musk; for external diseaseslike sores, carbunclesand other pyogenic skin infections, it can be given with dandelion, forsythiafruit and red peonyroot.
4. To treat masses in the abdomen, blood stasis with pain in the chest and abdomen, traumatic injuries, purple swelling with pain due to obstruction of blood vessels, etc.:
This herb can promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis, eliminate masses, clear obstructions from blood vessels, subdue swelling and alleviate pain.
a).Masses in the abdomen:
It is used in combination with burreed (Rhizoma Sparganii), zedoary turmeric rhizome (Rhizoma Zedoariae), etc.
b).Traumatic injuries and swelling and pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation:
This herb is used in combination with sappan caesalpinia (Lignum Sappan), olibanum, myrrh, etc., or safflower tincture or safflower oil can be rubbed and applied onto the affected part.
c).Syndromes of obstruction of heart vessels by blood stasis and epigastric pain due to obstruction of qi in the chest:
This herb is used in combination with cassia twig, Mongolian snakegourd (Fructus Trichosanthis), red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), etc.
d).Coronary disease:
In modern times, this herb has been used alone as tablets or injection for the treatment of coronary disease and certain effects have been obtained in the moderation of angina pectoris (a paroxysmal thoracic pain, with a failing of suffocation and impending death) and the improvement of electrocardiograms (a recording of the electrical activity of the heart on a moving strip of paper).
e).Cerebral thrombosis and thromboangiitis obliterans (a progressive occlusive disease of the blood vessels in the lower extremities):
Safflower injection has been used for intravenous dripping in the treatment of cerebral thrombosis and thromboangiitis obliterans. For the treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans, this herb can also be used in combination with Chinese angelica, red-rooted salvia root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), olibanum, myrrh, etc.
5. To treat dark skin eruption, maculae (a stain, spot or thickening) and papulae due to heat stagnation and blood stasis:
As this herb can remove heat from the blood and clear away toxic substances with its cool nature, it can promote blood circulation and relieve skin eruption, maculae and papulae. In this respect, foreign safflower (saffron crocus stigma) is better.
a).Dark skin eruption, maculae and papulae due to heat stagnation and blood stasis:
It is often used in combination with Chinese angelica, Asian poccoon root (Radix Arnebiae seu Lithospermi), Dyer's woad leaf (Folium Isatidis), etc., in order to promote blood circulation, remove heat from the blood, purge heat and clear away toxic substances, e.g., Danggui Honghua Yin in the book 'The Complete Works on Treatment of Measles'.
b).Erythema multiforme (a rash that results from an allergic response, most often secondary to a drug):
In modern times, safflower injection has been used for intramuscular injection in the treatment of Erythema multiforme
5.Angina of coronary diseases: use hong hua, dan shen, chuan xiong, chi shao.
6.Thromboangitis obliterans: use hong hua, dang gui , tao ren , chi shao, ru xiang
7.For treatment of enlargement of the liver and spleen.
8.For physical injuries with blood stasis and pain: broken bones, dislocated joints, sprains, and impact.
9.Medical function:
a)Cardio-vascular system: It can mildly stimulate the heart, lowers the resistance of coronary arteries, improves circulation and provides the amount of blood flow to the heart muscle and provides nutrition to the heart muscles. Large amount has an inhibitory effect.
b)Effect on platelets: It can prevent the coagulation of the platelets thus inhibits the formation of thrombosis.
c)Effect on uterus: Small amount can increase the rhythmic contraction of the pregnant uterus. Large amount can cause constriction and spasm.
d)Provides protection for the brain: in case of oxygen deprivation. Studies show that it can increase the treshold of rat in oxygen deprivation.
e)Other Functions: Lower lipids,anti-bacterial,anti-fungal,analgesic,diuretic,immune stimulant,anti-inflammatory,anti-spasmodic,emmenagogue (induce menses flow),diaphoretic (induce perspiration),induce interferon
10.Safflower Oil:
Safflower is cultivated for the edible oil obtained from the seed. It contains a higher percentage of essential unsaturated fatty acids and a lower percentage of saturated fatty acids than other edible vegetable seed oils. The oil, light colored and easily clarified, is used in salad and cooking oils, margarines, liqueurs, candles, and as a drying oil in paints, linoleum, varnishes, and wax cloths. Tender shoots eaten as a salad and potherb. Seeds, both edible and nutritious, are eaten roasted or fried and used in chutney. Safflower oil lowers blood cholesterol levels and is used to treat heart diseases. The flowers have been the source of yellow and red dyes, largely replaced by synthetics, but still used in rouge.
Dosage and admi-nistration: 3- 10g, decocted in water for an oral dose.
Safflower, also known as American saffron, dyer's saffron, and false saffron, is an annual plant native to the Mediterranean countries and cultivated in Europe and the U.S. Its glabrous, branching stem grows from 1 to 3 feet high and bears alternate, sessile, oblong, or ovate-lanceolate leaves armed with small, spiny teeth. The orange-yellow flowers grow in flower heads about 1 to 10 inches across.
This herb is used traditionally in China to treat coronary disease, thrombotic disorders, and menstrual problems. Alcoholic extracts of the plant are used topically for direct application to ulcers and wounds. Safflower has been used effectively as a diaphoretic and a diuretic. Taken hot, safflower tea produces strong perspiration and has thus been used for colds and related ailments. It has also been used at times for its soothing effect in cases of hysteria, such as that associated with chlorosis.
The plant has a strong taproot which enables it to thrive in dry climates. In India the crop has traditionally been grown in the 'rabi' or winter dry season in mixtures with other 'rabi' crops, such as wheat and sorghum. After emergence, the crop maintains a rosette form for some weeks before rapid elongation to mature height. The florets are self-pollinating but seedset can be increased by bees or other insects.
Safflower is one of humanity's oldest crops, but generally it has been grown on small plots for the grower's personal use and it remains a minor crop with world seed production around 800 000 t per year (Gyulai 1996). Oil has been produced commercially and for export for about 50 years, first as an oil source for the paint industry, now for its edible oil for cooking, margarine and salad oil. Over 60 countries grow safflower, but over half is produced in India (mainly for the domestic vegetable oil market). Production in the USA, Mexico, Ethiopia, Argentina and Australia comprises most of the remainder. China has a significant area planted to safflower, but the florets are harvested for use in traditional medicines and the crop is not reported internationally.
Uses of Safflower:
Carthamus:Safflower.American saffron.The florets of Cartha'mus tincto'rius Willdenow. (Official, 1820-1880.) Habitat: India, Levant, and Egypt; cultivated. Orange-red; tube long, slender, cylindrical with the two-cleft yellowish style protruding; strap divided into five narrow, lanceolate lobes; odor peculiar, aromatic; taste bitter. It contains two coloring principles, safflower-yellow, C24H30O15 (24 to 30 per cent.), and a red principle, carthamin, C14H16O7, or carthamic acid, to the latter of which its value as a dyestuff is due, and which, mixed with talc, forms rouge. Cathartic and diaphoretic in large doses of the warm infusion; in domestic practice used as a substitute for saffron to promote eruption in measles, scarlatina, etc. Dose: 8 to 15 gr. (0.5 to 1 Gm.).
Safflower was originally grown for the flowers that were used in making red and yellow dyes for clothing and food preparation. Today this crop supplies oil, meal, birdseed, and foots (residue from oil processing) for the food and industrial products markets, although this crop is now primarily grown for the oil.
Safflower flower has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is used to treat menstrual disorders. Safflower flower is an emmenagogue, meaning that it is given to bring on menstruation. Safflower is also used to treat menstrual pain, to firm up the uterus after childbirth, to ease stiffness and pain in the joints, and sometimes also to treat trauma to the abdomen. According to traditional Chinese usage, safflower flower is a blood regulator; that is, it invigorates and harmonizes the blood and dissolves blood clots. Safflower is said to have a warm nature and a pungent taste. Chinese practitioners use safflower oil in tui na massage.
The oil in linoleic safflower contains nearly 75% 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 and public concern about this topic made safflower an important crop for vegetable oil.
Varieties that are high in oleic acid may serve as a heat-stable, but expensive cooking oil used to fry potato chips and french fries. As an industrial oil, it is considered a drying or semidrying oil that is used in manufacturing paints and other surface coatings. The oil is light in color and will not yellow with aging, hence it is used in white and light-colored paints. This oil can also be used as a diesel fuel substitute, but like most vegetable oils, is currently too expensive for this use.
The meal that remains after oil extraction is used as a protein supplement for livestock. The meal usually contains about 24% protein and much fiber. Decorticated meal (most of hulls removed) has about 40% protein with a reduced fiber content. Foots are used to manufacture soap. The birdseed industry buys a small portion of the seed production. Sheep and cattle can graze succulent safflower and stubble fields after harvest.
Taken hot, safflower tea produces strong perspiration and has thus been used for colds and related ailments. It has also been used at times for its soothing effect in cases of hysteria, such as that associated with chlorosis.
Safflower flowers are also used to treat such childhood problems as measles, fevers, and skin rashes. Applied externally, safflower flower is used to cleanse wounds. Interestingly, on the other side of the world, North Americans used safflower flower in the nineteenth century in much the same way as the Chinese:to bring on menstruation and to treat measles. They also used it to induce sweating.
Safflower seeds can be pressed to produce an edible oil. The unpurified form of this oil is used as a laxative or purgative to cleanse the bowels. Processed safflower oil does not have laxative properties. The processed oil is used extensively in cooking and for making margarine and salad dressings. The oil is also used in paints and varnishes, and is burned for lighting where electricity is unavailable.
Powdered seeds made into a poultice used to ally inflammation of the womb after child birth.
Flowers of this herb is useful for jaundice.
Safflower has other nonmedicinal uses. Its flowers produce a dye that in times past was used for dyeing silk yellow or red. Today, chemical dyes have largely replaced safflower dye. The flowers were also dried and ground together with finely powdered talc to produce cosmetic rouge.
Modern scientific research shows that safflower oil lowers serum cholesterol levels, making it useful in preventing heart disease. The claim has also been made that safflower flowers prevent coronary artery disease because they are a digestive bitter and assist in the digestion of oils. Infusions of safflower flowers are used to lower the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles during athletic competition. In addition, a compound has been isolated from safflower that stimulates the immune system in mice. Additional studies are ongoing to confirm this effect.
Medicinal uses: It is a pretty strong cathartic and also clears the lungs and helps the phthisis. It is likewise serviceable against the jaundice.
Modern uses: The flowers are laxative and induce sweating. They are used as an infusion - 0.5 oz (14 g) to 1 Pt (568 ml) of boiling water - for children's complaints, particularly rneasles, scarlet fever and eruptive skin diseases. The infusion also stimulates the menstrual flow.
The seed is laxative. Safflower oil, obtained from the seeds, is used for culinary purposes. It is also obtainable in capsules. Like Sunflower oil, it is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid.
Infusions of Safflower were used as a laxative.
The flowers are the part used medicinally, and their action is laxative & diaphoretic. Safflower blossoms are used in the tea form to treat hysteria, fevers, phlegm, and panic attacks. It is a pretty strong cathartic, and also clears the lungs and helps the phthisis. It is likewise beneficial against jaundice.
An infusion of this herb stimulates the menstrual flow. In domestic practice, the flowers are sometimes used in children's and infants' complaints,such as measles,fevers,and eruptive skin problems.
Safflower is also known to help to move stagnant blood and alleviate pain. As a blood purifier, Safflowers are helpful with removing toxins and waste,like lactic acid,from the system,cleaning the tissues and joints throughout the entire body.
Other benefits of Safflowers have been to relieve arthritis, treat skin rashes, and promote healthy liver functions.
Cautions on Use: This herb should be avoided by pregnant women and no excessive administration should be made to anyone with a tendency to bleed. Safflower should not be stored for longer than 12 months.
Ethnobotany:Worlwide use of safflower.:
Safflowers were originally used for their red and yellow dyes. Today, however, Safflowers are valued for the unsaturated oils that come from their seeds. Having been used for generations to treat a variety of ailments, Safflowers are commonly used today as a nutritional aid for treating digestive problems.
China Abortifacient,Alterative,Amenorrhea,Anodyne,Apoplexy,Astringent,Bactericide,Blood,Bruise,Discutient,Dropsy,Dysmenorrhea,
Emmenagogue,Hemorrhage,Lenitive,Placenta,Puerperium,Purgative Sedative,Stimulant,Trauma,Uterotonic,Wound Elsewhere Bactericide,
Candida,Carthamus,Diuretic,Diaphoretic,Dysmenorrhea,Emmenagogue,Fungicide,Jaundice,Measles,
Purgative,Rheumatism,Scarlatina,Sedative,Sore,Stimulant,Tumor.
Turkey:Anodyne,Emmenagogue,Food-Dye,Laxative,Purgative,Rennet,Rheumatism Sudorific
US:Antidote,Boil,Emmenagogue,Eruption,Fever,Hear,Laxative,Measles,Skin,Sudorific
Safflower can be used as a diuretic and to calm the nerves and soothes hysteria. It supports the heart and liver. It helps promote circulation, dissolves clots, and can help induce menstruation. Safflower helps with post childbirth pains, stiffness and pain in joints,and internal bleeding. It can be taken hot to produce strong perspiration to remedy a cold.
Related to the sunflower, Safflower is a magnificent thistle plant that grows to be quite tall. In summer,yellow flowers blossom in clusters around the stem. It is cultivated in southern Europe, as well as on other continents for the oil rich in essential lipids. Since the earliest times, Safflowers have been prized for their dietetic, medicinal and cosmetic benefits. Its emollient and moisturizing properties mean that it is still a very useful substance in cosmetology.
History:Safflower
Safflower is also known by the names False Saffron, Dyers Saffron, Parrot Plant, Hoang-chi, and Koosumbha. Safflower is an annual plant native to the Mediterranean countries, and cultivated in Europe and the U.S. It prefers dry soil in full sun. Safflower is one of humanity's oldest crops, but generally it has been grown on small plots for the grower's personal use, and it remains a minor crop with world seed production. The plant has been cultivated for its use as a dye plant, yielding both yellow and red coloring. Linens used to wrap mummies were often colored with Safflower. Safflower was also used by Hopi Indians to color their bread. Safflower oil is a popular cooking oil extracted from the seeds.
Today, Safflower supplies oil, meal, birdseed, and foots (residue from oil processing) for the food and industrial products markets. The primary chemical constituents of Safflower include pigment (carthamone), lignans, polysaccharide, and essential oil (arachic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid). Safflower oil, which is rich in linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid), is commonly used in cooking to aid in lowering cholesterol. The oil also contains a high concentrate of polyunsaturates. Polyunsaturates provide the raw material for prostaglandins, the hormone-like substances that function in cell membranes and molecular regulation.Infusions of Safflower were used as a laxative. The flowers are the part used medicinally, and their action is laxative and diaphoretic.
Safflower blossoms are used in the tea form to treat hysteria, fevers, phlegm, and panic attacks. It is a pretty strong cathartic, and also clears the lungs and helps the phthisis. It is likewise beneficial against jaundice. An infusion of this herb stimulates the menstrual flow. In domestic practice, the flowers are sometimes used in children's and infants' complaints, such as measles, fevers, and eruptive skin problems. Safflower is also known to help to move stagnant blood and alleviate pain. As a blood purifier, Safflowers are helpful with removing toxins and waste, like lactic acid, from the system, cleaning the tissues and joints throughout the entire body. Other benefits of Safflowers have been to relieve arthritis , treat skin rashes, and promote healthy liver functions.
Safflower:Administration and Guide:
Preparations:
Harvesting safflower flowers requires some care. The flowers are picked just as they begin to wilt and can be used fresh or dried. If they are to be dried, they must be kept away from sunlight during the drying process or they will lose their distinctive reddish-yellow color. Dried flowers are not normally kept more than one year.
Safflower flowers can be used alone or in formulas. They can be prepared as dried powder, tinctures, or decoctions. Used alone, a common daily dosage is 3 g of decoction or 1 g of powder. A standard infusion of safflower flowers uses 4~8 oz of dried flowers. A common Chinese formula that uses safflower flower is pseudoginseng and dragon blood formula. This formula is used to treat traumatic injuries such as sprains or fractures that are accompanied by pain and swelling. The role of the safflower flower in this formula is to move congealed blood and reduce pain.
Precautions:
Because safflower flower brings on menstruation, it should not be used by pregnant women. Large doses can cause spontaneous abortion. In addition, because safflower may prolong blood clotting time, it should not be given to patients with peptic ulcers or hemorrhagic illnesses.
Before Using: Tell your doctor if you ...
are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
are breastfeeding
have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease
Side effects:
The unprocessed oil of safflower seed can cause severe diarrhea.
Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.
Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest,Chest pain,Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin
Warnings:
Before taking Safflower, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Interactions:
Safflower flower is often used in conjunction with other Chinese herbs with no reported interactions. As of 2002, there are no reported interactions of safflower extract or oil with standard pharmaceuticals. Its use in dissolving clots, however, suggests that it should not be taken with allopathic medications given to thin the blood.
Safety and Toxicity Study.
Acute Toxicity:Saffower Yellower or SaffioninA.
LD50-Lethal dose,50 percent kill.Oral.Rodent-mice.1244.38 mg/kg.
LD50[95].1152.12~1344.02mg/kg
Daily dose 2.5 g/kg no acute toxic effects and death,TMD>2.5g/kg. Which showing Saffower Yellower as substances of low toxicity.
Daily dose at 20000mg/kg.Intravenous.Rodent-mice.No acute toxic effects and death.
Daily dose at 30000mg/kg twice.Intravenous.Rodent-mice.Death in 7 days
Chronic Toxicity:Carthamine and Safflower Powder.
Chronic Toxicity: Daily dose 40ml/kg.No toxic effects and death, Which shows Safflower as substances of low toxicity.
Saffower Yellower Injection.Dog.Intravenous.20,60,120mg/kg/d for 45 days,light yellow color of urine,no other abnormality of appearance, shape, action and stool.
Mix 6% Safflower Powder into fodder to feed mice more than 1 month,no effects such as weight loss, 8%~10% mix ratio conditions make body weight loss,15%mix ratio cause death.
Mix Carthamine into fodder to feed young rat,daily taken dose at 0.015~1.5 grams/kg for 3 months. result proved no functional change of kidney, lung, and peripheral blood leucocyte, No shape change of heart,liver, kidney, stomach and intestines.
What is Saffron(Stigma Croci,Crocus sativus L.)?:
The most precious and expensive spice in the world is saffron.
The Saffron filaments, or threads, are actually the dried stigmas of the saffron flower, "Crocus Sativus Linneaus". Each flower contains only three stigmas. These threads must be picked from each flower by hand, and more than 75,000 of these flowers are needed to produce just one pound of Saffron filaments, making it the world's most precious spice.But, because of saffron's strong coloring power and intense flavor, it can be used sparingly. Saffron is used both for its bright orange-yellow color and for its strong, intense flavor and aroma.
"Crocus Sativus Linneaus" contains crocin, the source of its strong coloring property, bitter-crocin, which offers the distinctive aroma and taste and essential oils, which are responsible for its therapeutic properties.
Saffron is available both in filaments and powder, though the long, deep red filaments are usually preferable to the powder as the latter can be easily adulterated.Today, the greatest saffron producing countries are Greece, Spain, Turkey, Iran, India, and Morocco. The largest saffron importers are Germany, Italy, U.S.A., Switzerland, U.K., and France.
It was not defined well when saffron cultivation began, but it is believed that this might have happened during Prehistoric Greek times. The excavations in Knossos, Crete, and Akrotiri in the island of Santorini brought to light some frescoes where saffron is depicted.
The most famous of these frescoes is the 'saffron gatherer', where it was depicted that there was a monkey amongst the yellow saffron flowers. Etymologically, the word crocus has its origin from the Greek word "croci" which means the weft, thread used for weaving on a loom. Mythologically, according to Ovidius, the plant took its name from the youth Crocus, who after witnessing in despair the death of fair Smilax was transformed into this flower.since antiquity, saffron it was one of the most desired and expensive spices of ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans for its aroma, color and aphrodisiac properties. It was quite popular among the Phoenician traders, who carried it wherever they traveled. The ancient Assyrians used saffron for medical purposes.
Hippocrates and other Greek doctors of his time, like Dioskourides and Galinos mention crocus as a drug or a therapeutical herb. From the writings of Homer who calls dawn, "crocus veil", Aeschylus, Pindaros, and others, we know that the crocus was considered a rare pharmaceutical plant of ancient Greece with unique properties. It is referred throughout ancient history and in the course of many medical writings of the classical Greek and Roman times all the way to the Middle Ages. Another saffron use in ancient Greece was that of perfumery.
The history of red saffron in modern Greece starts in the 17th century when red saffron was cultivated in the area of Kozani in Macedonia.
For more than 300 years, Greek red saffron is systematically cultivated under the warmth of the Greek sun, in the rich soil of a unique area including many small towns of Kozani in West Macedonia.
Saffron and Love Magic:
It was said that saffron could incite secual desires especially in women, and it was thus used in love magic, often in combination with Betel, Hemp, Poppy, and Thornapple.... In late Medieval Europe, saffron was also employed as a powerful magical device to combat St. Anthony's fire (cf. Ergot) and was an ingredient in the Witches' Ointments (R?tsch 144).
Health benefit and application of Saffron.:
Saffron in Medicine:
As a therapeutical plant, saffron it is considered an excellent stomach ailment and an antispasmodic, helps digestion and increases appetite. It is also relieves renal colic, reduces stomachaches and relieves tension. During the last years it was used as a drug for flu-like infections, depression, hypatomegaly and as a sedative for its essential oils. It is also considered that in small quantities it regulates women's menstruation, and helps conception. It is a fact that even since antiquity, crocus was attributed to have aphrodisiac properties. Many writers along with Greek mythology sources associate crocus with fertility. Crocus in general is an excellent stimulant.
It is a fact that even since antiquity, crocus was attributed to have aphrodisiac properties. Many writers along with Greek mythology sources associate crocus with fertility. Crocus in general is an excellent stimulant.
Saffron in dying: The basic ingredient of crocus is crocin, the source of its strong coloring property. In antiquity it was a very rare and expensive substance and the color it produced and signified a high status or royalty. Romans used it to dye their hair and the "purple carpet" of saffron of Irish kings was such impressive examples.
Saffron in cooking: As a spice it is used for colouring and flavor improving while giving a distinct aroma and a beautiful golden color. There is a great list of foods where saffron is added including cheese products such as cottage cheese and parmesan, soups, chicken and meat, various spirits, pasta and rice. To use saffron, either infuse a few threads in a cup of hot water and add the coloured liquid towards the end of cooking, or crumble the threads and add directly to the pot.Alternatively, dry roast, crumble and then steep the crumbled threads. Unlike other spices, a good pinch will suffice to add flavor and color most dishes. Cook with red Greek saffron and indulge in its excellent flavor.
Dosage: How much safflower should I take?
Infusion:Steep 1 tsp. flowers in 1 cup water. Take 1 to 2 cups a day.
Tincture:A dose is from 20 to 60 drops.
The typical dosage of safflower is between 3 and 10 grams, depending on the condition being treated. Some practitioners also recommend safflower oil, but in much smaller doses (less than 1 gram).
What forms of safflower are available?
Whole or cut dried safflower petals can be found at most herbal shops and Asian markets. Safflower is also available as a powder or concentrated extract.
What can happen if I take too much safflower? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?
Safflower should always be taken with caution. The American Herbal Products Association has given safflower both a class 2B rating (meaning it should not be used during pregnancy) and a 2D rating (indicating that it should not be used by patients with hemorrhagic disease or peptic ulcers). Safflower may also prolong the coagulation time of blood, so it should be used with caution by people on blood thinners. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking safflower or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Cosmetic Use of Saffron:
Related to the sunflower, Safflower is a magnificent thistle plant that grows to be quite tall. In summer, yellow flowers blossom in clusters around the stem. It is cultivated in southern Europe, as well as on other continents for the oil rich in essential lipids. Since the earliest times, Safflowers have been prized for their dietetic, medicinal and cosmetic benefits. Its emollient and moisturizing properties mean that it is still a very useful substance in cosmetology.
Clarins products:
Face:Multi-Active Day Cream Gel Protection Plus.
Multi-Active Day Cream Protection Plus for all skin types.
Multi-Active Day Cream Protection Plus for dry skin.
Sun:After Sun Shimmer Oil.
Cosmetic properties:Moisturises, Softens.
Safflower Petals - Carthamus tinctoria This Sun herb has plenty of Mars in it as well, since it is armed with many spines and the flowers contain iron. Traditional Chinese Medicine connects the red color of the dried petals with blood, which suits Mars well; this herb is used to activate blood, such as in poor circulation and delayed menstruation (do not use while pregnant). A medicinal tea of the petals is very warming (also Mars) and often taken to ward off colds. The petals can be made into a poultice and applied to bruises and burns, and they are helpful to the heart, fitting their Sun influence. They also make a good dye for coloring besom straw gold and can be added to handmade paper (petals make a bright yellow halo).
Claims: Information this web site presented is meant for Nutritional Benefit and as an educational starting point only, for use in maintenance and promotion good health in cooperation with a common knowledge base reference...Furthermore,it based solely on the traditional and historic use or legend of a given herb from the garden of Adonis. Although every effort has been made to ensure its accurate, please note that some info may be outdated by more recent scientific developments......
Pharmakon Warning: The order of knowledge is not the transparent order of forms and ideas,as one might be tempted retrospectively to interpret it; it is the antidote....(Dissemination,Plato's Pharmacy,II.The Ingredients:Phantasms,Festivals,and Paints;138cf. Jacques Derrida.).
And as it happens,the technique of imitation,along with the production of the simulacrum,has always been in Plato's eyes manifestly magical,thaumaturgical:......and the same things appear bent and straight to those who view them in water and out,or concave and convex,owing to similar errors of vision about colors, and there is obviously every confusion of this sort in our souls.And so scene painting (skiagraphia) in its exploitation of this weakness of four nature falls nothing short of witchcraft (thaumatopoia), and so do jugglery and many other such contrivances.(Republic X,602c-d;cf.also 607c).
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MDidea Extracts Professional
Newly Developed Extracts Series:
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Serie No.:R022.Basic Data Sheet Download
.
seminal trace...Safflower.Carthamus tinctorius L.,Flos Carthami.Safflower Extract.5:1.American saffron extracts.CAS.RN.NO:84604-17-1.Synonyms:Saffron Crocus Extract...
Origin:
a) Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea due to blood stasis and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation:
Scientific References:
Claims & Warning:
