How to use the invaluable medicinal properties of cornflower for our health
Every summer, yellow "seas" of wheat are adorned with placers of pretty blue flowers. Someone is in a hurry to make a bouquet of them, while someone is attracted by the medicinal properties of cornflower, which can be used to combat ailments. Folk healers offer many recipes for medicinal drugs. The culinary experts use the flower as a condiment for delicious dishes. For cosmetologists, cornflower serves as a miracle cure for cleansing the skin, strengthening hair and nail plate. Even pharmacists appreciated the properties of the culture, therefore, they include the flower in the composition of various preparations. First, let's find out what the plant looks like from the side?
Blue stars on a yellow bedspread
Favorite growing places of cornflower:
- fields sown with cereals;
- forest lawns;
- country roads;
- spacious meadows.
In early June, the plant puts on a bright outfit. Large single baskets consist of fringed petals.
They come in different shades:
- blue;
- red;
- yellow;
- white;
- purple;
- pink;
- burgundy.
Flowering continues until mid-autumn, which allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of the plant. Biologists count over 500 types of cornflower, the medicinal properties of which are delightful.
Let's get acquainted with the most popular options.
Blue
This cornflower is considered the most common species. Its main difference is a bright turquoise flower basket. The maximum crop height is about 80 cm. It is found in fields with rye or wheat. Sometimes it decorates deserted roads. Despite this, the unique healing properties of blue cornflower are actively used in folk and traditional medicine.
Mountain
The perennial feels great on poor soils. It survives even in extreme conditions. Found in the Caucasus and the slopes of the alpine mountains. Another name for the culture is Fischer's cornflower.
It boasts a lush crown-like inflorescence. She is painted in such colors:
- blue;
- lilac;
- burgundy;
- light pink;
- yellow.
The height of the bushes reaches 100 cm. It is successfully grown in country and city flower beds. Studies have shown that the healing properties of Fisher's cornflower are due to the abundance of trace elements, acids and tannins. Components are essential for the body to successfully fight ailments.
White
The plant is listed in the Red Book, since it is rarely found in nature. Differs in snow-white buds, which consist of double petals. They rise only 30 cm above the ground.
Spreading
The variety is a lush bush, up to 0.5 m high. During the flowering period, many buds are formed on it, collected in small baskets. They come in white or pink.Due to its medicinal properties, sprawling cornflower is used to prepare tinctures and decoctions. The obtained drugs treat the digestive organs, headaches and eczema. Often pharmacists combine cornflower petals with other herbs when preparing pharmacy preparations. Next, consider what causes the miraculous properties of a flower?
Only the funnel-shaped edge petals are of health value.
Invisible treasures in action
One oriental sage remarked that "the invisible is eternal." Even the material universe is constantly being renewed. However, there is an abundance of chemical compounds necessary for life in nature. Noticing the medicinal properties of the cornflower, scientists decided to look into its "pantries".
There they discovered real treasures:
- tannins;
- essential oils;
- vitamins of group A, C;
- cyanine (coloring matter);
- centaurin;
- chicorine;
- various acids;
- selenium;
- copper;
- zinc.
It has been observed that flowers that were grown on plantations with oats contain much more flavonoids than others. Chicorine, centaurin and cyanine are responsible for the medicinal power. It is these components that are found in abundance. How do specialists competently procure raw materials?
Collecting valuable buds
For medicinal purposes, brightly colored cornflower petals are used. They are collected during the period of active flowering of the culture (the first two months of summer). To preserve the beneficial properties, cornflower petals are picked by hand. The most beautiful specimens are chosen, and the flower itself is left unharmed. This technology allows you to preserve valuable plant species. A less gentle option is used by industrial procurement of raw materials. It provides for the cutting of inflorescences, after which valuable petals are plucked. The resulting raw materials are sold in pharmacies.
Cornflower seeds are harvested for culinary purposes. The most suitable time is 2 weeks before September.
Cornflower flowers are dried in the traditional way. They spread the petals on paper and take them to the attic, where there is good ventilation. If desired, start the electric dryer. Store medicinal raw materials in paper bags or glass jars for about 1 year.
Unsuitable petals lose their brightness.
Cornflower medicinal properties and proven recipes
Over the centuries, humanity has been faced with many diseases. Some of them were defeated. Others are still terrifying. And, unfortunately, a number of new infections have appeared in the 21st century. However, folk healers do not give up. They offer a variety of herbal teas and infusions.
Potions based on cornflower petals stimulate the digestive tract. As a result:
- spasms are relieved;
- flatulence is eliminated;
- stool improves.
The components contained in the buds have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes. Excess fluid is excreted from the body, which affects the cardiovascular system. Hypertensive patients forget about blood pressure drugs for a long time.
The disinfecting properties of the plant are used in traumatology. Prepare on the basis of raw materials:
- lotions;
- medical compresses;
- bandages for wounds.
Alcohol tincture of cornflower is an irreplaceable means of complex therapy for eye diseases (for example, conjunctivitis). Cosmetologists incorporate raw materials into systemic skin care. Consider how to prepare potions for the treatment of various ailments.
Cold
The presence of C vitamins in cornflower petals allows you to create a highly effective drink.
Would need:
- dried flowers (20 g);
- water (1 glass);
- bee honey (1 tablespoon).
Raw materials are poured with boiling water. Insist for about 40 minutes. Then carefully filter through cheesecloth. Liquid honey is added. Stir and drink 30 minutes before meals. "Medicine" mobilizes the body's defenses to fight infection. The drug is taken for acute bronchitis, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections.
Hypertension
High blood pressure often leads to a stroke, which turns a person into a "vegetable".
Collection of medicinal herbs helps to avoid cruel sentence:
- cornflower flowers;
- yarrow;
- white mistletoe;
- hawthorn;
- Rowan;
- valerian.
All components are thoroughly chopped using a blender and mixed in a separate bowl. The resulting raw materials are used for decoctions. A tablespoon of medicinal herbs is placed on a glass of hot water. Insist for at least 20 minutes. They are filtering. Take after a meal, 80 ml.
Since self-medication can cause problems, it is advisable to inform the family doctor about your actions.
"The eyes of the blind will open"
Loss of vision causes discomfort and depression. However, you can suspend the process by preparing a healing tincture.
You will need components:
- cornflower petals;
- eyebright;
- aloe;
- dry red wine;
- liquid honey.
Fresh aloe leaves are cut to release excess juice. They are left in this form for 25 minutes. Then they are thoroughly washed, cut and sent to a blender. The resulting mass is spread in an enamel container. Dry herbs are ground in a similar way, and then combined with aloe, red wine and honey. The drink is boiled in a water bath for about 50 minutes. Then it is filtered through several layers of gauze. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day after meals.
For conjunctivitis, a tincture is prepared from such "ingredients":
- blue cornflower petals;
- plantain;
- chamomile;
- rose hips.
Crushed plant elements are poured with boiling water. Insist under a closed lid for 30-40 minutes. The resulting drug is filtered to remove plant residues. For the treatment of conjunctivitis, it is enough to inject two drops of the resulting liquid into the corners of the eyes. The drug is stored in the refrigerator.
Before use, the tincture is warmed to room temperature.
Disruption of the digestive tract
To eliminate constipation, prepare a decoction of blue cornflower petals. Crushed raw materials are poured with boiling water. Mix well. Cover and leave for at least 2 hours. Take just before meals. The dose is 30 ml twice a day.
With the help of alcoholic tincture, the plants stimulate the work of the gallbladder and liver. For 20 g of dry raw materials, 300 ml of diluted alcohol or vodka will be required. The components are combined in a glass container. Cover with a lid. Shake thoroughly. Insist 10 days in a dark cool room. Take the medicine 3 times a day before meals.
Cornflower tincture is used as an additional component of treatment.
We got acquainted with an amazing flower that contains a number of valuable components. We learned how to properly prepare petals for medicinal medicines. We examined the medicinal properties of cornflower for the body and proven recipes from traditional healers. Let's keep this information in our memorable book in order to resist various diseases.