- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
Europe · Herb · № 292
Centaurea cyanus
Herb · Europe
Cornflower
Centaurea cyanus
Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, stimulating, anti-inflammatory.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Flowers.
Use in traditions
The cornflower used to be a common weed in grain fields; weed control has made it rare. An infusion of the flowers was used as an eye wash for tired eyes, hence the French name casse-lunettes ('spectacle breaker'). It is the national flower of Estonia.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Tonic, stimulating, anti-inflammatory.
Preparation and amount
Flowers.