- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (west), Africa (northeast)
Asia · Herb · № 321
Carthamus tinctorius
Herb · Asia
Safflower
Carthamus tinctorius
Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, diuretic, 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.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: Not during pregnancy or with heavy menstruation. Consult your doctor if you take blood thinners.
Preparation
Flowers.
Use in traditions
Described in herbal medicine (Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic). In Chinese medicine the flowers (hong hua) move the blood, for menstrual pain and bruises. Safflower was used in ancient Egypt, India and Japan as a red and yellow dye for fabrics and cosmetics and is therefore also called 'false saffron'. In Ayurveda it is called kusumbha.
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
Laxative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory.
Preparation and amount
Flowers.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, bitter, warm
- Meridians
- heart, liver
Attributed effects
Hong hua moves stagnant blood in irregular or absent menstruation, menstrual pain, lumps in the abdomen and pain from injury.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction. The best quality comes from the Tibetan plateau; comparable to, but stronger than, calendula.
Combinations
- With peach kernel, dang gui, chuanxiong and red peony for pain from blood stagnation
Caution: Not during pregnancy or with heavy menstruation. Consult your doctor if you take blood thinners.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction