CORNFLOWER

A mighty wild plant with a fresh blue flower, cornflower naturally grows in acidic garden soil, mountainous ranges and grain fields.Numerous varieties exist (red, purple blue, pink), and the blooming of cornflower is quite plentiful, especially in summer.
This plant native to the Middle East is known for its cosmetic, medicinal, and culinary attributes.

The Basic Knowledge

Belonging to the Asteraceaefamily, cornflower is a plant found in North America, Europe, and Asia. A favorable annual plant, cornflower measures 4 inches (10 cm) to 3 feet (1 meter) depending on the variety. It grows spontaneously wherever it can, even if it prefers rocky ground and sun-covered areas.
Also called “the eyeglass breaker” (because of its secure effect on conjunctivitis), field cornflower is under massive pressure today because of herbicides, and it is becoming rarer nowadays.
Apart from its therapeutic benefits, cornflower flowers are also edible. People also consume cornflower tea to treat constipation, fever, chest congestion, and water retention. Women consume it for vaginal yeast infections and menstrual disorders. Some people apply cornflower directly to the eye for discomfort or irritation.
In foods, cornflower is used in herbal teas to provide color.
A Plant with Multiple Health Benefits

Blue bonnet, bluecup, boutonniere flower, and hurtsickleare some of the many names of cornflower.

Digestive Features

Mountain cornflower has potent diuretic and digestive attributes. Cornflower flowers are known to fortify and stimulate your body, reinforcing your immune system, liver activity and easing digestion.

Treats Infections

Field cornflower is mostly used to treat daily ailments such as mucus membrane and tissue inflammation and skin inflammation, conjunctivitis and pain.
In these cases, what is beneficial is its soothing activity that is effective for infections or ocular irritation (conjunctivitis) and rheumatism. It commonly appears as an ingredient in eye lotions and eye drops.

Skin and Hair Care

Cornflower contains biotin that assists in strengthening your nails, treats and prevents nail infections, and aids your hair problems like dandruff. Cornflower is used in many skin care and hair care products because of its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory attributes. It is even used in hair rinses and shampoos to aid scalp eczema.
Heals Wounds
Cornflower is very usually applied topically to cuts, wounds, and other ulcerations. You can either make a poultice or use the juice from its leaves and apply it to your wounds for quick relief from inflammation and pain.

Calming Favors

Cornflower has a calming effect on the nervous system and is therefore favorable to those suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, and other nervous system disorders.

Soothes Menstrual Cramps

Women suffering from endometriosis can consume cornflowerpreparations to ease menstrual cramps and other related symptoms.

How to Use Cornflower?

• In Herbalism
As a decoction, suggested doses are cornflower herbal tea with 10 g plants for 20 cl water. In an appropriate container, pour the cold water, and toss in the plants. After that, turn on the stove, bring it to boiling and then cut the heat, and let it steep for about 15 – 20 minutes.

• In Cosmetics
Used as a tonic for skin, cornflower hydrolate must be applied on your face in the morning (before any makeup) or in the evening (after removing makeup). Suited to all types of skin, including the most sensitive ones, cornflower floral water used in a face tonic is recommended just after any redness or rash appears. This helps refresh and firm the skin in times of hot, harsh weather.
To aid skin rashes or acne, cleanse and dry your skin. Follow with a cotton pad dipped in cornflower hydrolate and clean your face every evening.
Whether to reduce conjunctivitis, irritated eyes, or rheumatism, simply dribble a little water over cotton pads (or compress) and rest them over closed eyes for a couple minutes.

• In Cooking
In the culinary arts, cornflower has also made its fame. It can be included to mixed salads or added in fruit salads for dessert. While some use it to flavor their cakes, others delicately place them on icing to decorate, or on other dishes.

The Takeaway
Cornflower hydrolate is sold in drugstores, pharmacies, organic lifestyle shops, certain supermarkets and even some specific internet websites. This hydrolate is commonly packaged in blue-colored glass bottles with the note CentaureaCyanus. Once opened, to preserve and extend its activities, keep it in your refrigerator.
But before applying this valuable compound to your life, always consult a specialist or a physician and never exceed recommended dosage.