The flower can be made into tea that induces perspiration, considered effective against colds and certain cases of hysteria.
The major potion of safflower oil contains serotonin derivatives that have been proven to show strong in vitro antioxidants activities and to exert various biological effects on plasma and liver lipid status.
It was widely used in ancient, Ayurvedic and Greek medicine. The flower stimulates interferon production improves coronary and cerebral microcirculation and breaks up blood stagnation.
In Chinese herbal medicine, safflower is considered a vasodilator, a substance that causes blood vessels to open up. Chinese physicians believe that safflower helps nutrients get to the hair follicles.
It also relaxes and stimulates the uterus. It is used in the treatment of amenorrhea, arteriosclerosis, blood clots, coronary heart disease, constipation, delayed menses, fever, high cholesterol, hysteria, measles, miscarriage, seizures and tumors.
In Korea, safflower seed oil is used as an herbal medicine for the promotion of bone formation and treatment of osteoporosis and rheumatism.
Medicinal uses of safflower
