Cornflower is an herb whose dried flowers are used to prepare medicines. The herb has the ability to treat constipation, fever, chest congestion, and water retention. It is also taken as a bitter, tonic, as well as a stimulant for the gallbladder and liver. Women can also take cornflower tea for vaginal yeast infections and menstrual disorders. In fact, the herb’s flower buds are effective for treating urinary tract infections due to its antibiotic and antiseptic properties.
Of course, due to its anti-inflammation properties and soothing properties, cornflower can also be applied directly to the eye to treat irritation or any discomfort. In addition to this, drinking cornflower tea can help soothe stomach ulcers. Using the herbal tea as a mouthwash can help accelerate the healing process of mouth sores, bleeding gums and gum sores.
As stated earlier, cornflower is used in making herbal teas but it is used to give color. In preparing meals, cornflower has also proven to be effective. It can be incorporated into mixed salads or fruit salads for dessert.
The Health Benefits of Cornflowers
The flowers of the cornflower are used for many health conditions.
Soothes the Skin
To soothe and make the skin supple, simply add few flowers into your bath to help do the trick. For so many years, cornflowers have been used for traditional medicine and proven to contain significant soothing effect. For people who work out a lot or engage in exercises, bathing with cornflowers in their bath water can help ease body pain. On the other hand, they can use a warm compress.
For instance, to relieve rheumatic pain, you can boil the herb’s flowers for 5 minutes and allow to cool until it is bearable to touch. Apply to the affected spot as a poultice –it is also an effective remedy for people who suffer stiff and sore joints due to exercise.
Supports Eye Health
One of the most popular health benefits of cornflowers is the ability to boost eye health and ease the strain on the eye. For someone with tired eyes, they only need to add a tablespoon of fresh petals in a cup of boiling water, allow to boil for about five minutes and then cool completely. This can be used as an eye lotion. Alternatively, the herbal tea can be used as an eyewash or cool compress.
As a matter of fact, cosmetologists use cornflowers as a natural remedy for dark circles around the eyes. The anti-inflammatory abilities and soothing effects of cornflowers help decongest eyes. Due to this, the active compound in the herb is often included in various cosmetic products or make-up remover lotions. Evidently, the health benefits and uses of cornflowers are effective in treating eye problems.
Interestingly, in so many countries, especially in France, cornflower is popular for its effectiveness as a soothing eyewash. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic abilities, the herb is believed to be a potent eyewash for treating conjunctivitis. With the herb’s superb astringent properties, it is also effective in the treatment of puffy eyes and the dark circles around the eye.
Boosts Immunity
Cornflower tea can also be consumed as a tonic to boost the immune system and help fight off infections. If taken at the start of an infection, the herb can help to lower its severity. To enjoy the herb’s immune-enhancing effects, it is advisable to drink the herbal tea three times per day but not longer than three weeks. Similar to other herbal teas, you may need to take a break from the tea every two or three months. This tea is also an excellent choice for people with rheumatism and aching muscles. Although cornflower is quite bitter, it can be sweetened with some honey to make it easier to drink.
Of course, cornflower flowers have shown to be effective in stimulating and fortifying the body, boosting the immune system, supporting liver activity and improving digestion. In fact, the herb is used to treat common conditions such as skin inflammation, tissue inflammation, conjunctivitis, as well as pain. In cases like these, the herb’s soothing effect can be beneficial for rheumatism and infections or eye irritations such as stye and conjunctivitis. Cornflower is usually used as an ingredient in eye lotions and eye drops.
Treats Wounds
As a matter of fact, the natural tannin present in cornflower help to bind proteins, making it effective as a treatment for wounds. It can also help stop bleeding in bleeding gums as well as open wounds.
In addition to this, the phytochemical coumarin in cornflower works as an anticoagulant when the juice of the crushed leaves is applied directly to a wound. The herb, due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, also has an amazing effect when its crushed flower heads and leaves are applied as a poultice to inflammed joints, bruises, and aching muscles.
Dosage
When you incorporate cornflowers into your herbal teas, as little as a gram of the crushed flowers is enough for a cup of water. In instances where you need to prepare an herbal infusion of cornflower for use as an eyewash, simply add two teaspoons of the dried petals to a steaming cup of water. Allow the mixture to cool and then strain the infusion before using as a potent wash for tired eyes. You can even splash some on irritated skin.
People with dry and flaky scalp or other skin problems, a stronger infusion of the dried petals is recommended. You can apply a poultice of the flower heads directly to affected spots. In addition, a warm poultice is also effective for soothing aching joints. Simply add some tablespoons of the dried or fresh mashed petals to steaming water for about 15 minutes before applying to the affected areas.
Side Effects and Precautions
- While there isn’t enough reliable information about how safe cornflowers are for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers, it better to say on the safe side and avoid using the herb.
- Cornflower may result in a reaction in people who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family, including marigolds, ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, and others. People who suffer from allergies should ensure to check with their healthcare provider before using cornflower.
