Cornflowers

Also known as

centaurea cyanus, Casse Lunette, Bachelor's Buttons, Bluebonnet, Blue Bow, Centaury, Cyani, Hurtsickle, and Bluecap.

Introduction

Cornflower is a common wildflower that has been cultivated as a garden flower for centuries. Originally a native of the Near East, cornflower now grows wild over much of Europe and the temperate regions of North America. The cornflower gets its formal name from a minor goddess, Cyanus, and its genus name from a mythical Centaur (from the Greek Centaurea), whose name was Chiron. Chiron was a renowned herbalist in Greek mythology, and is credited with teaching mankind about the healing power of herbs. In many areas of the U.S., cornflowers are considered invasive weeds, despite the fact that they are also sought after garden flowers. They are annuals and biennials that often self sow and reseed themselves, making them difficult to eradicate. They got the name Bachelor's buttons in Victorian England because young women would wear them as a sign of availability.

Constituents

anthocyans, coumarins, flavonoids

Parts Used

Flowers predominantly, but seldom the leaves and seeds.

Typical Preparations

Infusion, poultice

Summary

Cornflowers have been used to create natural blue dye for centuries.

Precautions

There are no harmful effects reported or noted in the use of cornflower.

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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