Herbal Encyclopedia

Common Medicinal Herbs For Natural Health

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  • Scientific Names

Cornflower

Botanical Name

  • Family Asteraceae (formerly Compositae)
  • Centaurea cyanus

Common Names

  • Centaurea, Batchelor’s Buttons, Bluebonnet, Bluebottle, Blue Centaury, Cyani, Bluebow, Hurtsickle, Blue Cap, Cyani-flowers

Cautions

  • None listed

Description

 Native to the Near East, cornflower now grows wild in all temperate regions, often in cornfields. It is an annual, or biennial, growing to three feet producing multi-branched stems, a basal rosette of leaves, and sky-blue flowers, which are gathered just after they open.

History

 Cornflower's medicinal properties were first mentioned in the 12th century writings of Hildegard of Bingen. Later, the herbalist, Pierandrea Mattioli (1501-1577), recommended it on the basis of the Doctrine of Signatures, which held that a plant's appearance indicated the ailments it would cure. Since the flower's deep blue colour symbolized healthy eyes, it became a prime treatment for eye ailments — which may explain why it never caught on in countries where the eye colour is not blue!

In France, the plant is known as casse-lunette meaning "break glasses". A related species, C. scabiosa (Greater knapweed), formed part of the medieval salve, an ointment applied to wounds and skin infections.

Key Actions

  • antiseptic
  • antibacterial
  • bitter
  • digestive tonic
  • mild laxative
  • stimulant for liver and gall bladder

Key Components

  • anthocyans
  • bitter principles
  • coumarins
  • flavonoids
  • mildly antibiotic

Medicinal Parts

  • Flowers, seeds, leaves

Traditional Uses

 In France, the plant is still used as a remedy for the eyes, including conjunctivitis and inflammations. A strained infusion is used as an eyewash, and the petals are applied as a poultice.

The petals are also taken as a bitter tonic and stimulant improving digestion, as well as for possibly supporting the liver function. Poultices made from the petals can also be used for eye problems. The petals may also improve resistance to infection.

The seeds are used as a mild laxative for children.

The leaves are used in decoctions for rheumatic complaints and as a hair rinse to treat scalp eczema. A douche is used to treat vaginal candida infections.

Filed Under: C

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Pages

  • Modes of Use
    • Compresses and Lotions
    • Creams
    • Decoctions
    • Electuaries
    • Essential Oils
    • Fomentations
    • Gargles and Mouthwashes
    • Glycerites
    • Liniments
    • Lip Balms
    • Medicinal Milks
    • Mustard Plasters
    • Oil Infusions
    • Ointments and Salves
    • Poison Ivy Lotions
    • Poultices
    • Powders and Capsules
    • Steam Inhalations
    • Syrups
    • Tinctures and Vinegars
    • Toothpastes
    • Vapor Balms
    • Water Infusions
    • When To Gather Herbs
  • Online Herbal Encyclopedia of Knowledge
  • Scientific Names

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For educational purposes only.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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