Safflower ~ Carthamus tinctorius

Safflower

Latin name: Carthamus tinctorius

Family: Asteraceae

Part used: flowers

Habitat: indigenous to Asia; cultivated in other parts of the world

Main constituents: carthamone, lignans, polysaccharide

Energetics: warm, spicy

Main herbal actions: laxative, diuretic, vasodilator for coronary arteries, hypotensive anti-inflammatory, reduces platelet aggregation, lowers blood lipids, analgesic, anti-spasmodic, immune stimulant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, interferon induction

Minor herbal actions: uterine stimulant, abortificant, emmenagogue, diuretic, diaphoretic

Main medicinal uses: measles, fevers, coronary diseases, thrombotic disorders

Minor medicinal uses: amenorrhea, contusions, strains, ulcers, wounds

Preparations: oil (external)

Contraindications: concurrent use of blood thinning medications, pregnancy, menorrhagia

Toxicity: long-term use may cause weight loss

Sources: Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations; http://www.herbalists.on.ca/resources/freeman/CARTHAMU.html
 

Module 2 lecture

• Vasodilator for coronary arteries
• Anti-spasmodic
• Very minor herb in Western Herbalism
• Part used: Flower