Safflower (Kusumbha (Vahnishikha, Varattika))
Safflower is an herb used in Ayurveda for its potential effects on blood disorders, skin conditions, and metabolic health. The flowers and seeds are the primary parts utilized.
Botanical name: Carthamus tinctorius. Also known as: Safflower, Alazor, American Saffron, Bastard Saffron, Dyer's Saffron, Fake Saffron, False Saffron, Gami-Honghwain, Hing Hua, Hong Hua, Kusum, Kusumbha, Safflower Nut Oil, Safflower Oil, Safran Bâtard, Safranon, Thistle Saffron, Zafran, Zaffer, Golrang, Kajireh, Kafesheh.
Properties
Flavonoids, Polyacetylenes, Alkaloids, Sterols, Lignans, Spermidine, Alkyl diols, Polysaccharides, Unsaturated Fatty Acids (Oleic acid, Linoleic acid), Tocopherols, Carthamin and Safflower Yellow, Carthamidin, Isocarthamidin, Hydroxysafflor Yellow A, Safflor Yellow A, Safflamin C, Luteolin
Dosage
Internal use: 10–30 mL per day, typically divided into two doses (morning and evening). To minimize any digestive discomfort, start at 5 mL and gradually increase. Safflower oil has been used in doses of 20-30 mL by mouth daily for up to 8 weeks. Safflower oil dosages of 6 g/day and 8 g/day (in divided doses) were used in studies of obese women. Take about 20-30 drops (1 ml or 1 full squeeze of the dropper bulb) of safflower tincture to 2 oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent
- Virya: ["Hot"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Alleviates difficult urination
- Alleviates blood disorders
Traditional uses
- Skin conditions
- Blood disorders
- Difficult urination
Dosha effects
- vata: increasing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: decreasing
Preparation methods
- Tea: Dried petals (florets) can be used for teas.
- Tinctures: Dried petals can be used for tinctures.
- Topical applications: Safflower seeds yield oil high in linoleic acid, known for its cardiovascular-supporting actions. The oil can be used for topical applications.
- Extracts: Safflower seed extract can be prepared by high-pressure extraction, ultrasonic extraction, and reflux extraction.
- Safflower fermentation solution: Safflower powder can be mixed with sterile water and bacterial liquid, then placed in a constant temperature shaker for a 48-hour fermentation period.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Children
- Bleeding Disorders
- Surgery
- Gastric Disorders
- Excessive Menstruation
- Allergies (Asteraceae/Compositae family)
- Pitta-Dominant Individuals
- Diabetes
- Interactions with Medications (Antidiabetes drugs, Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs, Warfarin)
Side effects
- Safflower oil is likely safe to use as part of the diet and is usually well-tolerated.
- High doses of seed oil (above 30 mL/day) can lead to mild nausea, diarrhea, or cramping, especially when consumed without food.
- Rare cases of dermatitis have been reported when topical petal extracts contact sensitive skin; always patch-test new oils or creams.
- Safflower oil might increase blood sugar.
- Safflower can slow blood clotting and might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Stop using safflower oil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
- Safflower may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family.
- Safflower flower is likely unsafe when used during pregnancy as it has effects that may lead to a miscarriage. High doses of safflower oil (above 30 mL/day) may stimulate uterine contractions.
- Consult a physician before using if nursing or taking any medications.
- Some people may experience upset stomach.
- A few cases of acute liver disease have been associated with the use of safflower oil supplements.
Interactions
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs): Safflower oil might increase blood sugar levels. Taking safflower oil along with diabetes medications might reduce the effects of these medications.
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs): Taking safflower oil along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Warfarin: Safflower oil might increase the effects of warfarin.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials suggest potential benefits of safflower oil in metabolic syndrome, ischemic stroke and high cholesterol. Survey data suggests potential benefits in depression and anxiety. Further research is needed to confirm these effects.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Alleviates difficult urination
- Alleviates blood disorders
Classical clinical indications
- Skin conditions
- Blood disorders
- Difficult urination