Cornflower Petals – Centaurea cyanus. Plant Family: Asteraceae. Cornflowers petals can be added to potpourri to add a bright splash of colour or to decorative papers, pressed flower decorations, soaps and cosmetics, as a component in environmentally friendly confetti. Use in a healthy tea blend to add colour, in bath salts, and all kinds of crafts.
The dried flowers are used to make medicine. People take cornflower tea to treat
- fever
- constipation
- water retention
- and chest congestion.
They also take it as a
- tonic
- bitter herb
- and liver and gallbladder stimulant.
Women take it for menstrual disorders and vaginal yeast infections. Some people apply cornflower directly to the eye for irritation or discomfort. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of cornflower for these uses.
Cornflower is LIKELY SAFE when used to color herbal teas. There isn’t enough information to know if cornflower is safe for use as a medicine. Cornflower may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking prescribed drugs, book an appointment to have a chat with your midwife or healthcare provider before using. Always thoroughly research any new herb you are considering using.
For a cornflower blossom tea, 1-2 teaspoons of cornflower petals are poured with 250ml/8.5 fl oz of hot water and allowed to steep for 10 minutes. The cornflower blossom tea has a floral-bitter taste. Add a teaspoon of local honey and a slice of lemon if liked.