Medicinal properties of safflower or wild saffron

The Safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius ) or also known as saffron wild or Safflower is an excellent herb that has been traditionally used for their medicinal properties to care for the cardiovascular system, infections or intestinal health care.

Safflower is originally from Europe, more specifically from the Mediterranean area, although it is widespread in the Middle East and Africa in a wild way and is cultivated in North, Central and South America for its oil.

This plant has very showy yellow, orange or red flowers, it can reach more than a meter high, its stem is thin, it has oval and lanceolate leaves. It is a very resistant plant to lack of water and grows well in rather dry environments. The leaves, flowers, seeds and oil are used for medicinal purposes. In gastronomy, flowers, leaves and oil are also used.

 Properties and medicinal uses of Safflower or Safflower

• Promotes the regulation of menstruation and eliminates or minimizes menstrual pain

• The flowers have flavonoids, which have antioxidant action and fight free radicals

• Promotes recovery from colds and flu

• Safflower has a slight sedative effect

• Safflower oil has a purgative effect and its leaves help eliminate intestinal parasites

• To lower the fever

• Relieves pain from rhema applied locally

• Has anti-inflammatory effect

• Due to its diuretic action, it is very useful to facilitate the elimination of liquids.

• Safflower oil is recommended for lowering cholesterol

• The flowers have antifungal action and fight fungi

• The leaves have laxative action

• Eliminates excess fat in the blood

• Safflower oil is able to regulate appetite, making it an ally for people who want to lose weight

• To stimulate sweating

• Safflower oil takes care of the health of the arteries by preventing them from hardening ( arteriosclerosis )

• The flowers have abortive action

In the kitchen we can use the flowers replacing the saffron to give color and flavor to our dishes. The leaves can be cooked like spinach and the oil can be used in salads and cold dishes.