Shop

Safflower: A Versatile Herb with a Rich History

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is an herbaceous annual plant known for its bright yellow to orange flowers and deep taproot. Resembling a thistle, this resilient plant thrives in arid climates. Its history dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was prized as a textile dye. In cooking, safflower is occasionally used as an affordable substitute for saffron.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), safflower is called hong hua and valued for its warming and bitter energetics. The petals and stamens of the safflower plant can be steeped to make safflower tea, infused into herbal preparations, used as a spice, or applied externally in various formulations.

Precautions

• Not for use during pregnancy unless under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
• Avoid use in individuals with bleeding disorders, hemorrhagic diseases, or peptic ulcers.
• If taking anticoagulant medications, use should be supervised by a qualified healthcare practitioner.
  We recommend consulting a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.