1. Description:
Safflower (scientific name: Carthamus tinctorius L., Chinese: Hong Lan Hua, 红蓝花, 红花, 红兰, 红兰花, 大红花, 南红花), a species of highly branched, herbaceous, thistle-like annual plant. Widely grown around the world (Kazakhstan, United States, Mexico, Argentina, Russia, China, Japan and Korea peninsula), the plant can grow up to 150 cm (59 in) tall. Safflower acts as blood circulation promoter, analgesic and discutient in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases including painful menstruation, irregular menstruation, coronary disease and various skin problems.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Safflower is considered to have pungent and warm properties and to be associated with the heart and liver meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Safflower & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Coronary Disease
A decoction of safflower, Sichuan lovage rhizome and salvia miltiorrhiza root is used in treating coronary disease.
3.2 Reducing Inflammation And Relieving Pain
Ointment made with safflower, walnut kernel, mastic and myrrh is applied externally to treat injuries from falls, fractures, contusions and strains.
Juice of safflower is taken orally to treat throat impediment as well as various swelling.
3.3 Skin Health
A decoction of curculigo orchioides root, epimedium, cassia twig, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), peony root, Sichuan lovage rhizome, the dried rhizome of rehmannia, prepared rhizome of rehmannia and processed licorice root can offer a therapy for scleroderma (a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues).
Medicated wine with safflower is used externally to treat bedsores (pressure ulcers).
3.4 Gynecologic Diseases and Disorders
A decoction of Angelica sinensis, myrrh and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius, Chinese: 红花) can be taken to heal amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation) in teens.
A decoction of safflower is used to expel a dead fetus.
3.5 Ear Health
Powdered safflower and calcined alum is used externally to treat ear discharge.
4. Contraindication, Side-effects & Cautions:
Pregnant women should avoid taking medicine that contains safflower.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.