Safflower,
also known as American Saffron, Dyer's Saffron, and False Saffron, is an annual
plant native to the Mediterranean countries and cultivated in Europe and the
U.S. Its glabrous, branching stem grows from 1 to 3 feet high and bears
alternate, sessile, oblong, or ovate-lanceolate leaves armed with small, spiny
teeth. The orange-yellow flowers grow in flower heads about 1 to 10 inches
across.
This herb has been used traditionally in China to treat coronary disease, thrombotic disorders, and menstrual problems. Alcoholic extracts of the plant have been used topically for direct application to ulcers and wounds. Safflower has also been used historically as a diaphoretic and a diuretic. Taken hot, Safflower tea produces strong perspiration and has thus been used for colds and related ailments. It has also been used at times for its soothing effect in cases of hysteria, such as that associated with chlorosis.
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