The oil from the white seeds of this plant is commonly used for cooking. Safflower oil contains a high concentrate of polyunsaturates, which provide the raw material for prostaglandins, the hormone-like substances that function in cell membranes and molecular regulation.*
Safflower is native to the Middle East and is also widely cultivated throughout Europe and the United States. This annual reaches heights of about 3 feet. Its shiny oval, spiny-edged leaves alternate around the stem. The plant produces profuse flowers of yellow to deep red color, which have been used for dyes to color cosmetics and fabrics.*
The flowers of Safflower are also a natural nutritional aid for the digestive system. They are also known to move uric acid from the body.*
The flowers are historically known to be anticholesterolemic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, laxative, purgative, sedative and stimulant. They’ve been used for menstrual pains and other complications by promoting a smooth menstrual flow, and were ranked third in a survey of 250 potential anti-fertility plants.*
