Safflower
Safflower, also known as safflower, oil thistle, safflower and false saffron, as well as by its Latin name Carthamus tinctorius, is a plant whose flowers and seed oil are used medicinally. Safflower oil is used to prevent heart disease, including arteriosclerosis and stroke. It is also used to treat fevers, tumors, coughs, respiratory problems, blood clotting problems, pain, heart disease, chest pain and traumatic injuries. Some people use it to stimulate sweating, as a laxative, as a stimulant, as an antiperspirant and as an expectorant. Women sometimes use safflower oil to treat missed or painful periods and to induce abortion. In the field of nutrition, safflower oil is used as an oil for cooking. In industrial production, the flower of the safflower is used as a colorant in cosmetics and for dyeing fabrics. In addition, safflower oil is used as a solvent for paints.
How do safflower products work?
The linoleic and linolenic acids contained in safflower oil may help prevent arteriosclerosis, lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Safflower contains chemicals that could thin the blood and prevent blood clots, dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure and stimulate the heart.
How effective are safflower products?
Saffloweroil could be effective when used to lower cholesterol levels. Taking safflower oil as a supplement appears to lower total cholesterol levels, as well as levels of bad LDL cholesterol. However, it does not appear to lower triglyceride levels or increase levels of good HDL cholesterol. There is insufficient scientific data to make a statement regarding the effectiveness of safflower products for fever, tumors, coughs, respiratory problems affecting the bronchi, circulatory disorders, pain, menstrual disorders, chest pain, traumatic injuries and constipation, as well as when used to stimulate sweating or induce abortion. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of safflower products in these applications.
Safety and side effects
Safflower products appear to be safe and harmless for most people
Precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and lactation: Safflower oil appears to be safe and harmless when taken orally during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should not consume safflower flowers. These can induce the menstrual period, cause contractions of the uterus and cause miscarriages. Not much is known about the safety and harmlessness of safflower oil during breastfeeding, so breastfeeding women should avoid safflower oil to be on the safe side
Bleeding problems (hemorrhagic diseases, stomach or intestinal ulcers or blood clotting disorders): Safflower products can slow down blood clotting. For this reason, safflower products should not be used if you suffer from any kind of bleeding problem.
Allergies to broomweed and related plants: Safflower products could cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this plant family include broomweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and many others. If you suffer from allergies, you should consult your doctor before taking safflower products.
Surgeries: Safflower products could slow down blood clotting. There are concerns that this could increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. For this reason, the use of safflower products should be stopped at least 2 weeks before planned operations.
Interactions
Care should be taken when combining safflower products with the following medications:
Medications that slow down blood clotting Safflower products could slow down blood clotting. Taking safflower products in conjunction with medications that also slow blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise. Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen, heparin, warfarin and others.
Dosage
The following dosages have been investigated in scientific studies:
Oral
- For high cholesterol levels: Safflower oil is used as a dietary supplement.