Carthamus
– Chinese Herbal Name –
Safflower
Category: Invigorating Blood and Dispelling Stasis
· Overview ·
Carthamus, a medicinal herb, is derived from the upper part and stigma of the flower of the plant Carthamus tinctorius, belonging to the Asteraceae family. The flowers are harvested on sunny mornings in September to October, and the stigmas are dried to produce dried safflower. If further processed to make it oily and shiny, it is referred to as wet safflower. Dried safflower is of better quality. Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container. Its functions and indications include: invigorating blood circulation, dispelling stasis, and relieving depression and obstruction. It is used for conditions such as depression, chest tightness, hemoptysis, mania due to febrile disease, fright and confusion, menstrual disorders in women, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis, and pain from falls and bruises.
· Herbal Properties ·
1
Parts Used
This herb is derived from the upper part and stigma of the flower of the plant Carthamus tinctorius. The flowers are harvested on sunny mornings in September to October, and the stigmas are dried to produce dried safflower. If further processed to make it oily and shiny, it is referred to as wet safflower. Dried safflower is of better quality. Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container.
Taste and Properties
2
Sweet in flavor, neutral, non-toxic. Enters the Heart and Liver meridians.
3
Dosage and Administration
When decocting safflower for internal use, the common dosage is 1-3g.
For external use, take an appropriate amount of safflower, grind it into powder, and apply it.
Additionally, safflower can be used for daily health maintenance, with common methods of consumption as follows:
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Infusion: Safflower can be directly steeped in hot water for consumption.
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Infused in alcohol: Safflower can be infused in alcohol, combined with other herbs such as Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui), Lycium barbarum (Goji Berries), and Eucommia ulmoides (Du Zhong) to nourish blood, relax tendons, dispel wind and dampness, and tonify the kidneys and strengthen bones. It can also be combined with other herbs like Aconitum carmichaelii (Chuan Wu), Aconitum kusnezoffii (Cao Wu), and Euphorbiae pekinensis (Tou Gu Cao) to invigorate blood circulation, dispel stasis, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain.
Preparation Method
4
Take the raw herb and remove impurities.
· Functions and Indications ·
Invigorates blood circulation, dispels stasis, and relieves depression and obstruction. It is used for conditions such as depression, chest tightness, hemoptysis, mania due to febrile disease, fright and confusion, menstrual disorders in women, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis, and pain from falls and bruises.
① “Yin Shan Zheng Yao”: It is indicated for heart depression and stagnant qi, prolonged consumption brings joy to the heart.
② “Pin Hui Jing Yao”: It is indicated for dispelling depression, regulating blood, relieving chest tightness, and promoting appetite. Long-term use nourishes the lower source, improves complexion, and treats mania due to febrile disease.
③ “Gang Mu”: It invigorates blood and also treats palpitations.
· Precautions ·
Safflower invigorates blood and regulates menstruation, thus it is contraindicated for pregnant women.
Note
Disclaimer: The content is for reference only and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. Please follow medical advice!
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