Safflower (Honghua): Efficacy, Functions, and Contraindications
1. Introduction
Safflower, a well-known medicinal herb in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), contributes significantly to health with its unique benefits and functions. However, safflower is not suitable for everyone, and there are four groups of people who need to pay special attention to its contraindications.
2. Overview of Safflower
Safflower is the dried flower of the Carthamus tinctorius, a plant in the Asteraceae family. The flowers are harvested in summer when they change from yellow to red, then dried in the shade or sun. Safflower has tubular flowers, approximately 1.5 cm long, orange-red in color, with narrow flower tubes that split into five lobes at the tip. The lobes are linear and 5 to 7 mm long. There are five stamens, and the anthers are fused into a tubular structure, yellowish-white; the stigma is elongated and slightly bifurcated at the top. The texture is soft, with a faint fragrance and a slightly bitter taste. Safflower is warm in nature and has a pungent flavor. It is associated with the Heart and Liver meridians.
3. Six Major Benefits and Functions of Safflower
1. Activating Blood Circulation and Regulating Menstruation
– Safflower has a powerful effect on activating blood circulation and regulating menstruation, showing significant efficacy for gynecological conditions such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis. It promotes blood circulation, unblocks meridians, and alleviates pain.
– It is often used in combination with Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) to enhance the effects of activating blood circulation and regulating menstruation.
2. Dispelling Stasis and Alleviating Pain
– Safflower can dispel stasis and alleviate pain, providing good therapeutic effects for injuries, contusions, and pain due to blood stasis. It promotes the resolution of blood stasis, reducing pain and swelling.
– It can be combined with Ru Xiang (Frankincense) and Mo Yao (Myrrh) for their blood-activating and swelling-reducing properties.
3. Resolving Stasis and Reducing Spots
– For skin spots and melasma caused by blood stasis, safflower has the effect of resolving stasis and reducing spots. It improves local blood circulation and promotes pigment metabolism, restoring skin luster.
– It can be used with Dan Shen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza) and Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) for beauty and spot removal.
4. Lowering Blood Lipids
– Studies have shown that safflower has a certain lipid-lowering effect. It can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, preventing and treating hyperlipidemia.
– It can be used as an adjunctive treatment for hyperlipidemia.
5. Antithrombotic Effect
– Safflower can inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce blood viscosity, thus having an antithrombotic effect. This is significant for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
– It is often used in conjunction with other blood-activating herbs to prevent and treat thrombotic diseases.
6. Improving Myocardial Ischemia
– Safflower can dilate coronary arteries, increase myocardial blood flow, and improve myocardial ischemia. It has a certain auxiliary therapeutic effect on coronary heart disease and angina.
– It can be combined with Dan Shen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza) and San Qi (Notoginseng) for the treatment of heart diseases.
4. Four Groups Who Should Avoid Safflower
1. Pregnant Women
– Safflower has a strong blood-activating effect, which may cause uterine contractions in pregnant women, leading to miscarriage or premature birth. Therefore, pregnant women should absolutely avoid using safflower.
– Medication during pregnancy should be approached with caution to avoid substances that may harm the fetus.
2. Women During Menstruation
– For women with normal or heavy menstrual flow, safflower should not be consumed during menstruation. Its blood-activating properties may increase menstrual flow, prolong the period, or even lead to excessive blood loss.
– If there is a special need, it should be used cautiously under the guidance of a physician.
3. Individuals with Bleeding Tendencies
– Individuals with bleeding disorders such as gastric bleeding, nasal bleeding, or hemoptysis should avoid safflower. Its blood-activating properties may exacerbate bleeding symptoms, hindering recovery.
– This group should first stop the bleeding and consider using blood-activating herbs only after the condition stabilizes.
4. Individuals with Allergies
– Some individuals may be allergic to safflower, experiencing symptoms such as skin itching, redness, swelling, or difficulty breathing after consumption. Those allergic to safflower should avoid its use.
– If an allergic reaction occurs, use should be stopped immediately, and medical attention should be sought.
5. Conclusion
Safflower, as a commonly used medicinal herb, has various benefits and functions, including activating blood circulation, dispelling stasis, resolving spots, lowering blood lipids, having antithrombotic effects, and improving myocardial ischemia. However, when using safflower, we need to choose carefully based on our constitution and health status. Pregnant women, women during menstruation, individuals with bleeding tendencies, and those with allergies should avoid using safflower to prevent adverse effects on health. Additionally, treatment with safflower should be conducted under the guidance of a physician to ensure safety and effectiveness.